The Council of Europe Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression is launching a new Training Programme on Access to Information in the Context of Freedom of Expression. This comprehensive programme is designed for three professional audiences: legal professionals (including judges, prosecutors, and lawyers), civil servants responsible for managing access to information, as well as journalists and media professionals.
The course is modular and interactive, structured to be adaptable to national contexts. It draws upon leading European standards, in particular the Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents (Tromsø Convention), as well as relevant national legal frameworks. This training material is meant to be delivered through a dual-trainer approach, ensuring both international and domestic perspectives are addressed, combining expertise in European case law and country-specific legislation.
Content and practical exercises are tailored to the professional realities of each group. Legal professionals engage in advanced case law analysis and the balancing of access to information and privacy rights. Civil servants focus on best administrative practice, handling requests, and proactive transparency. Journalists and media actors request and use official information in responsible journalism and public interest reporting.
The methodology includes lectures, case studies, facilitated discussions, and hands-on exercises to ensure active engagement and practical relevance for all participants. The Training Programme supports Training-of-Trainers sessions, enabling cascade training to reach wider audiences.
