Anti-corruption projects face challenges; in risk of closure due to absence of funds and donors. Help us to work as a Watchdog NGO. Support Open Spending Albania database, disclosing Treasury Transactions

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Dear Friends and Partners,

The AIS organization, known as OpenDataAlbania, is reaching out to you with a pressing concern. We are facing the imminent closure of OpenSpendingAlbania due to lack of funds and donor support. Our database is vital for transparency, accountability, activism, and anti-corruption efforts.

Currently, tracking data through our databases shed light and denounce corruption, clientelism, and cases of conflict of interest every day among high officials in the local and central governments.

Our Databases provide evidence for (i) every treasury transaction, (ii) public tender passports (iii) public tender awards along with redflagged ones, and (iv) asset declarations of politicians and officials. This comprehensive database supports investigative cases and stories, utilized not only by journalists, activists, and political parties but also by anti-corruption institutions.

Exactly at this critical moment in the fight against corruption and abuses of public authority and assets, our databases, which play a crucial role in evidence-based fact-checking and monitoring the misuse of funds and assets, have been deprived of funding and support from donors. Hence, AIS appeals to potential donors for financial assistance

From 2016 to 2018, the Embassy of the Netherlands supported the instrument as part of the Money, Government, and Politics project, followed by support from the Swedish Embassy from 2021 to 2023. Despite AIS Organization’s efforts to secure refinancing, it has been unable to obtain the necessary funds to continue operating as a watchdog NGO and support activists and journalists.

The Treasury Transactions Database stands as an important instrument for Transparency, Good Governance and Anti-corruption. OpenSpendingAlbania enables citizens to understand how taxpayers’ money are spent. Since 2012, it has disclosed and made transparent every transaction from Budget Institutions to beneficiaries. The nation’s boldest journalists and activists rely on Treasury data to uncover instances of misuse, corruption, nepotism, and conflicts of interest.

The transparent nature of this well-structured database has revealed widespread public abuse, particularly during election periods. Notably, transparency in treasury transactions led the initiation of procedures to revoke a Member of Parliament’s mandate in the Constitutional Court due to conflicts of interest.

AIS/OpenDataAlbania’s efforts to empower the public, activists, and anti-corruption agencies with transparent data on abusive cases have faced resistance from individuals in power and their affiliated businesses. Additionally, there have been unsuccessful attempts at cyber-attacks.

The fight against corruption, activism, and the empowerment of watchdog actors continues to be crucial aspects for countries like Albania. The Justice Reform and the establishment of new institutions still require efforts to consolidate results in the fight against Autocracy and Impunity.

We request your support through open call notices or by exploring grant funding opportunities. This is essential to prevent the closure of one of the most significant instruments for enhancing transparency, accountability, and the watchdog culture in Albania.

We are open to your support and collaboration, with the sincere intention of securing a new grant to sustain and prevent the closure of the OpenSpendingAlbania database.

Thank you in advance.

Event: Media dhe Parlamenti: Mbikëqyrja e Financave Publike dhe Raportimi i Buxhetit të Shtetit

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AGJENDA

Event:
Media dhe Parlamenti: Mbikëqyrja e Financave Publike dhe Raportimi i Buxhetit të Shtetit

Organizator:
AIS, promotor i Open Data Albania

Projekti dhe Partneriteti:
“Rritja e përgjegjshmërisë së Parlamentit ndaj shqetësimeve të qytetarëve” një projekt i mbështetur nga Ambasada Britanike në Tiranë dhe zbatuar nga një konsorcium, i drejtuar nga IDM, në partneritet me Citizens Channel dhe AIS

Vendi:
Salla Praga, Hotel Rogner Tirana

Data:
Mars 29, 2024

 

Agjenda:

Kliko këtu

 

Workshop: With the participation of representatives from the Parliament and Supreme State Audit Administrations

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Workshop:
With the participation of representatives from the Parliament and Supreme State Audit Administrations

About aspects on participation, monitoring, and dialogue with citizens during the drafting and reporting of public finances.

The workshop can also be considered as a follow-up to the previous event held on January 31, 2024, titled “Oversight of Public Finances, on the Role of Parliament, Institutions and Civil Society”.

Organizer:
AIS, promotor of Open Data Albania

Project and Partnership:
Increasing Parliament’s Responsiveness to Citizens’ Concerns, Project supported by the British Embassy in Tirana and implemented by a consortium led by IDM, in partnership with Citizens Channel and AIS

Venue:
Hotel Tirana Marriott, Vjosa Hall, 3rd Floor

Day:
March 1, 2024

 

Agenda:
Download here

 

Training: Civil Society and the role of the Parliament in the Drafting, Consultation and Approval Process of the State Budget

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Training Agenda
Malësi e Madhe, March 08rd, 2024

Title:
Civil Society and the role of the Parliament in the Drafting, Consultation and Approval Process of the State Budget

Organized by:
AIS, promotor of Open Data Albania

Project and Partnership:
Increasing Parliament’s Responsiveness to Citizens’ Concerns, Project supported by the British Embassy in Tirana and implemented by a consortium led by IDM, in partnership with Citizens Channel and AIS.

Objective:
Building the capacities of CSOs, activists and local media to contribute in the planning of the state budget and public spending policies

Area:
Districts of Lezhë; Dibër; Shkodër; Kamzë; Kukës; Tiranë; Malësi e Madhe

Target group:
Representatives of Civil Society; Activists and Local Journalists

Project Preview
With the support of the British Embassy in Tirana, the Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM) in partnership with Citizens Channel and the Albanian Institute of Sciences (AIS), will implement the project “Increasing the responsiveness of the Parliament to citizens’ concerns”. This project aims to strengthen the Parliament’s efforts to foster an enabling environment for inherent engagement of citizens in the policy and legislative processes in the country, as a means of promoting public interest and building trust in the institution.

Activity Preview
The Training, aims two of the targeted districts, aims to increase the capacities of civil society, allowing them to improve their understanding of the Budgeting process and enable their participation in the Budgeting cycle in the Parliament. The training aims to strengthen comprehension and monitoring skills in regards to the Drafting, Approval and Reporting Process of the State Budget in the Parliament, as well as raise responsiveness and participation capabilities during the phases of Planning and Approval of the State Budget and policies concerning Public Finances. Another aims of the training is to inform about the existing legal instruments who allow for participation, proposals or hearings in the Parliamentary Committees.

Target group:
Representatives of Civil Society; Activists and Local Journalists.

Agenda: Download here

The Council of Ministers assumes the authority of the Legislative. Normative Act No. 1 Amendments to the 2024 Budget Law violates Article 7 of the Constitution, the Principle of Separation of Powers

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Dear Colleagues and Partners,

The organization AIS, also known as Open Data Albania, expresses concern regarding the Council of Ministers’ revisions of the 2024 State Budget through a Normative Act with the Force of Law. This action is considered a violation of the principle of separation and balancing of powers outlined in Article 7 of the Constitution.

On February 21, 2024, the Council of Ministers approved the Normative Act no. 1/2024, entitled “For some Changes in Law no. 97/2023 for the Budget of 2024”.

Normative Acts become effective immediately upon approval and are subsequently confirmed by the Parliament ex-post without undergoing parliamentary debate and review. This process is characterized by a lack of transparency, accountability, and parliamentary oversight.

Through such actions, the Council of Ministers (the Executive branch), assumes attributes typically reserved to the Parliament, thereby encroaching upon the domain of the legislative power.

The AIS organization considers the Budget Law as a significant document that mirrors the economic and social progress of the country.

Likewise, the Law that approves Public Investment Plans and allocates financial resources to national projects under financing holds similar importance.

More specifically, in Normative Act no. 1/2024, the source of financing for a significant public investment, such as the New Commercial Port Porto Romano Durrës, has been altered. Through the Normative Act, the Council of Ministers reclassified this project, part of Corridor VIII (Pan European corridor), from Foreign financing to a project with Domestic financing.


The organization contends that in this case there is no apparent emergency for the delegation of legislative power to the Executive. Decisions regarding significant public projects, particularly those integrated into European corridors and their financing, should undergo through scrutiny and decision-making within Parliament. This includes considering the potential for Foreign Financing through aid instruments and cooperation with European and international organizations.

AIS has expressed its concern regarding this Normative Act, wherein the Executive assumes attributes of the Legislative. AIS has directed this concern to the Assembly, urging it not to grant consent and to repeal the Normative Act during the parliamentary session scheduled for March 21, 2024.The attachment to this email is the correspondence from AIS addressed to the Parliament. Opinion on Normative Act with the authority of Law

Accordingly, the AIS Organization, also known as Open Data Albania, expresses concern and urges the Parliament to withhold consent for Normative Act no. 1/2024, and exercise its competencies in overseeing the budget and public finances through proper legislative process. Likewise, we stand prepared to present and argue our stance at a hearing in the relevant committees.

AIS’ concerns about the Project Law on Amendments to the Public Procurement Law, noting inconsistencies with the SAA and potential risk of corruption.

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Dear Friends, 

On February 8, 2024, the Parliament will vote on a Project Law on Amendments to the Public Procurement Law No. 162/2020 during a plenary session.

Being familiar with the project of the law, currently under review in the Parliamentary Committees this week, AIS expresses strong concern regarding two aspects of the project legislation:

Please find attached the letter from the AIS Organization addressed to the Parliament (and respective committees).

Opposure. Draft Law on Amendments to the Public Procurement Law

  1. Article 48, point 2, makes the law highly susceptible to corruption and introduces the potential for contracts with a risk of abuse. Consequently, this article contradicts the Stabilization Association Agreement, specifically Article 74.
  1. The Project Law, initiated by the Albanian Government, envisions interventions for an Integrated Electronic System for Public Procurement. However, the accompanying Explanatory Report to the Project Law has not anticipated the financial costs of the intervention. The Parliament cannot approve a law without accurate financial forecasts from the Government (Ministry of Finance).

Therefore, AIS has submitted a written request to the Parliament, urging the removal of Article 48, point 2, from the Project Law. According to our analysis for corruption-proofing of legislation, this article poses a high risk.

Content of Article 48, Transitional Provisions, point 2: Within a period of 3 years from the entry into force of this law, the Council of Ministers may authorize state/public administration institutions at the central level to negotiate and conclude international consultancy agreements within the scope of their competence, pertaining to areas of strategic interest, including the application of artificial intelligence, cyber security, critical infrastructure, and the fight against organized crime and corruption.

Additionally, this Project Law should not proceed to the Plenary Session on February 8 without being accompanied by a detailed Explanatory Report from the Ministry of Finance regarding financial costs. Furthermore, a thorough examination of the issues conflicting with the SAA should be conducted in advance.

It is recommended to the Parliament that, prior the Final Review during the Session, it initiates and seeks a Consultative Meeting with organizations serving as Business Associations, as well as those engaged in the areas of the Rule of Law, European Integration, and Transparency.

The AIS organization, known as Open Data Albania, has previously participated in the Public Consultation process of the Albanian Government for this Project Law (June-September 2023). LINK

 

Best regards,

Aranita BRAHAJ

Director of AIS / Open Data Albania

Event: Oversight of Public Finances. On the Role of Parliament, Institutions and Civil Society

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Organizer: AIS, promotor of Open Data Albania

Project and Partnership: Increasing Parliament’s Responsiveness to Citizens’ Concerns, Project supported by the British Embassy in Tirana and implemented by a consortium led by IDM, in partnership with Citizens Channel and AIS

Agenda: Download here

Opening and Welcoming Speech

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  • Mrs. Aranita Brahaj – AIS’ Executive Director
  • Mr. Sam Goldbart, First Secretary, Justice, Political and Homme Affairs British Embassy Tirana
  • Mr. Gjergji Vurmo, IDM Representative
  • Moderator: Mrs. Matilda Duri
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Panel no. 1

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Parliamentary Oversight of Public Finances and the Supreme State Audit Institution 

  • Expert – Prof. Lindita Lati Milo
  • Presentation of the Policy Paper: Findings and Recommendations
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Positions over the PP’s Findings and Recommendations

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Mr. Eduard Shalsi  
Chairman of the Committee for Economy and Finance

  • Mrs. Jorida Tabaku
  • Chairman of the Committee for European Affairs and Member of the Committee for Economy and Finance
  • Mr. Gjovalin Preci
  • Director of State Budget Audit Department, Supreme State Audit
  • Questions and Discussion

Panel no. 2

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Parliament and its Role in the Oversight of the Fiscal Policy. State Budget Drafting, Supervision and Reporting Processes

  • Expert – Prof. Petraq Milo
  • Presentation of the Report: Oversight Role of the Parliament. Findings and Recommendations
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Positions over the Report’s Findings and Recommendations 

  • Mrs. Pranvera Resulaj
  • Member of the Committee for Economy and Finance
  • Ms. Emilja Koliqi
  • Member of the Committee for Economy and Finance
  • Questions and Discussion 

The document part of the activities of the AIS organization for the Oversight of Public Finances – The Role of Parliament, Institutions and Civil Society LINK

Objective: In this event, through the presentation of the Policy Papers and Report, we aim to bring to attention findings and recommendations on aspects related to the role of the Parliament, its cooperation with institutions or other civil actors to ensure better processes for drafting, consultation and monitoring of the State Budget and Public Finances.

Likewise, during the discussions, we would like to create space for debate and exchange of arguments between high-level representatives from the Parliament, Constitutional Institutions, Ministry of Finance, Civil Society, and the Media.

Venue: Hotel Tirana Marriott, Bylis Hall, 3rd Floor

Day: January 31, 2024

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Supporting Public Procurement Best Practice and Instil a Watchdog Culture, Open Contracting in Albania

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The Public Procurement sector represents risk number “One” for government corruption, with 30% of public expenditures allocated through tenders. AIS plays a crucial role in advancing Open Tendering Standards and strengthening the Watchdog model. The Open Procurement Database serves as a transparency and accountability instrument in tendering process. Passports containing information on all tendering phases are accessible for the Local Governments LGU, Health sector, Albanian Road Authority ARRSH, Albanian Development Fund and Public Companies. Simultaneously, a risk assessment algorithm and RedFlag marking scan and publish in real-time tenders with problematic competition and bids. Similarly, data on contract concentration in a few businesses or the application of the Limited Procedure in over 25% of annual public tender values are readily available in published articles. AIS has litigated in court against Special Legislation for emergencies in cases of Natural Disasters beyond the deadlines of the State of Emergency. AIS is recently participating in Public Consultation for Legal Changes aimed at sector digitization. Initiated by the Albanian Government in June 2023, the initial draft potentially addressed the necessity for interventions and the assurance of equality and transparency principles. AIS will persist in its participation in the Consultation, now in the parliamentary process of the Law. The ongoing objectives include supporting Best Practices, strengthening the Watchdog Culture in tendering, and promoting Open Contracting Partnership standards and principles.

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Media Businesses – Increased Profits in Election Years. Economic Power of Media Owners, Interests in licensed sectors, and state contracting

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Open Data Albania has published an analytical article providing information on annual revenue and profits of Television Media Businesses. The data reveals higher profits and revenues in the electoral year of 2021 compared to preceding or subsequent years. Earlier, ODA released a report on the Economic Power of Audiovisual Media Owners, emphasizing that individual owners in TV companies own 10 to 39 other companies. Their connections and interests revolve around Building Permits, Public Licenses, PPP Concession Contracts, Strategic Investor Status, or Benefits from the Albania 1- Euro Program. Involvement in sectors with significant economic returns, which include licenses, subsidies, permits, or contracts with authorities, exposes the media sector to conflicts of interest and dependency, including political parties, thereby, posing a risk to media freedom and editorial independence. Analytical articles covering the Media Sector, economic power, revenues, profits, and ownership structures are integral components of the project titled “Open Data Project, Access and Transparency over sectors exposed to Risk of Corruption 2021-2023, a project supported financially by the Sweden International Development Cooperation Agency.

Registry of Magistrates – Improve Access and Public Trust in Justice, Integrity after Vetting

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The organization AIS presented the project “Access to Justice – Albanian Register of Magistrates” at a regional event in December with a focus on Knowledge and Idea Exchange for Open Governance. Alongside NDI Montenegro, activists and officials gathered in Budva to delve into various models and initiatives related to Open Governance. The Mine of Data, the Registry of Magistrates, showcases Passports containing information and documents for each judge and prosecutor, encompassing even those associated with the new Justice Institutions. Owners of the database have noted a substantial interest from citizens accessing profiles of judges and prosecutors who are involved in investigations related to corrupt activities among high officials, some already under investigation or facing accusation. The Registry of Magistrates is a project activity implemented with the financial support of the Commission for Democracy’s Small Grants Program at the US Embassy in Tirana. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this project are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the State Department. Project activities encompass the creation of a Policy Paper on Legal Regulations and Practices for Access to Information within the new Justice Institutions.

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