Public information is information that has been recorded and documented, which was created or obtained by public authorities in the course of their duties, or which is in the possession of government agencies or other public information custodians. It is open to the public, except in cases specified by law.
Who Can Submit a Request
The following individuals may submit a request for public information:
- individuals
- legal entities
- associations of citizens without legal entity status.
However, public authorities may not submit requests for public information.
What information can be requested?
Information:
- that was obtained or created in the course of public authorities performing their duties, or that is in the possession of public authorities or other public information administrators
- regarding the preparation, review, and approval of budgets, cost estimates of budget fund administrators, and plans for the use of budget funds by budget fund recipients, as well as their implementation according to budget schedules, budget programs, and expenditures
- regarding the ownership, use, or disposal of state and municipal property, including copies of relevant documents, the conditions for receiving such funds or property, and the surnames, first names, and patronymics of individuals and the names of legal entities that received such funds or property;
- regarding the status and results of inspections and official investigations into violations committed in areas of activity;
- regarding the structure, principles of determination, and amount of wages, compensation, and additional benefits for the head and deputy head of a legal entity under public law, as well as the head, deputy head, and members of the supervisory board of a state-owned or municipal enterprise or a state-owned or municipal for-profit organization, a person who permanently or temporarily holds the position of a member of the executive body or is a member of the supervisory board of a business entity in which more than 50 percent of the shares (stocks, interests) in the authorized capital are directly or indirectly owned by the state and/or a local community
- information regarding whether individuals have tax debts;
- information specified in the declaration of a person authorized to perform the functions of the state or local self-government, submitted in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On Preventing Corruption,” except in cases specified by that Law.
Who is the custodian of such information?
- authorities (state authorities, other state bodies, local self-government bodies, and other entities exercising administrative functions)
- legal entities financed from the state, local, or Autonomous Republic of Crimea budgets—with respect to information regarding the use of budget funds
- individuals, if they exercise powers delegated by public authorities in accordance with the law or a contract, including the provision of educational, health, social, or other public services—with respect to information related to the performance of their duties
- business entities that hold a dominant position in the market or are granted special or exclusive rights, or are natural monopolies—regarding information on the terms of supply of goods and services and their prices
- legal entities under public law, state-owned or municipal enterprises, or state-owned or municipal organizations established for profit, as well as business entities in which more than 50% of the shares (stocks, equity interests) in the authorized capital are directly or indirectly owned by the state and/or a local community, — regarding information on the structure, principles of determination, and amount of compensation, remuneration, and additional benefits for their director, deputy director, and any person who permanently or temporarily holds the position of a member of the executive body or serves on the supervisory board.
Timeframes for Processing Requests for Information
No later than 5 business days from the date the request is received.
If the request concerns information necessary to protect a person’s life or liberty, regarding the state of the environment, the quality of food products and household goods, accidents, disasters, hazardous natural phenomena, and other emergencies that have occurred or may occur and threaten the safety of citizens—no later than 48 hours from the date of receipt of the request.
A request for expedited processing must be justified.
If the request concerns the provision of a large volume of information or requires searching through a significant amount of data, the information holder may extend the processing period to up to 20 business days, provided that the extension is justified.
The requester must be notified of this in writing no later than 5 business days from the date the request is received.
Do I have to pay for the information?
No, but if the request for information involves making copies of documents exceeding 10 pages, the requester is required to reimburse the actual costs of copying and printing.
If the information holder has not set a fee for copying or printing, the information is provided free of charge.
When providing an individual with information about themselves or information of public interest, no fee is charged for copying or printing, except in cases involving information related to the registration of emissions and the transfer of pollutants and waste.
Where to Get Free Legal Assistance
Anyone can receive a free consultation with a lawyer through the free legal aid system. Lawyers will advise on the right to access public information, help draft a request correctly, and, if necessary, prepare a complaint.
Certain categories of people are also entitled to free assistance with filing a lawsuit. These include internally displaced persons (IDPs), war veterans, family members of fallen defenders, low-income individuals, and other categories listed in Article 14 of the Law of Ukraine “On Free Legal Aid.” Lawyers will thoroughly review your circumstances, draft and file a petition with the court if necessary, and represent your interests in court.
How to access the free legal aid system:
by phone at 0 800 213 103
all contact information is available at the link: https://legalaid.gov.ua/kliyentam/yak-otrymaty-bpd/