Freedom of information request (Romania)

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The request by which anyone in Romania obtains information from a public body about its work — spending, contracts, decisions, organisation — without having to say why (Law no. 544/2001). The body answers within 10 days, 30 at most if the information is complex, and a refusal must be reasoned within 5 days. The request says in what form the answer is wanted.

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Common questions

How quickly must a Romanian public body answer an information request?

Within 10 days of the request being registered or, if the information is hard to gather, within 30 days at most, provided the applicant is told of the extension within the first 10 days (art. 7 of Law no. 544/2001). A refusal is sent, with reasons, within 5 days.

Does a Romanian information request have to give a reason?

No. The law does not ask the applicant to say why the information is wanted: it is enough to name the body, describe the information so it can be identified, and give a name and an address for the answer (art. 6 of Law no. 544/2001). Public-interest information is about the body's work — spending, contracts, decisions, organisation.

What if no answer comes or the request is refused?

An administrative complaint can go to the head of the body within 30 days of learning of the refusal or of the lack of an answer (art. 21 of Law no. 544/2001), and a claim to the administrative section of the tribunal for the applicant's home or the body's seat, within 30 days of the time for answering running out (art. 22). The court can order the body to hand over the information and to pay moral or material damages.