Transparency index report evaluates the transparency of the work of 55 state-owned enterprises (central level) and 136 public companies at the local level. The index is based on the Law on Free Access to Information, the Law on Business Companies and the Law on the Capital Market, and measures the availability of information on the websites of state-owned enterprises and local self-government units.
Based on ten indicators, transparency is evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 means complete non-transparency and 10 means complete transparency. Indicators include the existence of a website, publication of annual plans, reports on operations, lists of employees with their titles, and data on sponsorships, donations and decisions of administrative bodies.
Research showed that the average transparency score of state-owned enterprises at the central level is 2.7, and at the local level 2.4 out of a possible 10.
Analysing the availability of information, the report identifies significant omissions and shortcomings in the SOE’s transparency. This points to the need for a better regulatory framework and practices. Recommendations include improving the legal framework, strengthening supervision and obligations of public companies to proactively publish information of public interest.
