Freedom of Information (FOI) case handling is becoming increasingly complex across Europe. Authorities face growing numbers of requests, overlapping legal frameworks, and new challenges arising from digitalisation, data reuse, and the interaction between transparency and data protection.
The purpose of this workshop is to:
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strengthen cooperation and knowledge exchange between European FOI authorities and DPA-s;
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discuss recurring case-handling challenges;
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share practical approaches and solutions;
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promote consistent interpretation of FOI and access rights across jurisdictions.
This year’s workshop focuses on two topics that many authorities struggle with and that often lead to divergent practices.
Day 1 – Re‑use of Public Sector Information
We will explore:
- the legal framework governing the re‑use of public information;
- common challenges faced by authorities;
- balancing transparency, data protection, and other legal restrictions;
- practical examples and case studies.
Day 2 – Distinguishing FOI Requests from GDPR Article 15 Requests
Topics include:
- differences in legal basis, scope, deadlines, and refusal grounds;
- handling mixed or unclear requests;
- practical case-handling difficulties;
- ensuring consistent and lawful responses.
Day 1 – Re-use of Public Sector Information
Monday, 1 June 2026
09:30–10:00 Registration
10:00–10:15 Opening of the workshop
- Welcome by the host authority
- Practical information and objectives of the workshop
10:15–11:00 Presentations: Re-use of public sector information: legal framework and real-world use
- The Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan
- Information and Data Protection Commisioner of Albania
11:00–11:15 Break
11:15–13:00 Session I: Re-use of information containing personal data
- Information Commissioner, Republic of Croatia
- Estonian Data Protection Inspectorate
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:00–16:00 Session II: Practical challenges in handling re-use requests
- National Authority for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, Hungary
- Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Estonia
16:00–16:15 Wrap-Up
19:00-21:00 Social Event. Dinner at restaurant FARM (Müürivahe tn 27b, Tallinn) *Dress Code - Smart Casual
Day 2 – FOI request vs GDPR Article 15 (Right of Access)
Tuesday, 2 June 2026
09:30–09:45 Gathering
09:45–10:15 Presentations: FOI vs DSAR – two regimes, one request
- Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner
- Council for Transparency and Good Governance, Spain
10:15–12:30 Session III: Mixed and unclear requests in practice
- The Federal Commissioner for data Protection and Freedom of Information - BfDI (Germany)
- Information Commissioner (Slovenia)
- Estonian Data Protection Inspectorate
12:30–13:30 Lunch
13:30–14:45 Session IV: Logs, metadata, and access rights
- Estonian Data Protection Inspectorate
14:45–15:00 Closing remarks
Venue and accommodation
Metropol Spa Hotel
Roseni 9, 10111 Tallinn, Estonia
Located in the city centre, approx. 4 km from Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport.
Accommodation
A special accommodation rate is available for workshop participants at Metropol Spa Hotel using the promotional code FOI2026.
To book your room:
- Visit www.metropol.ee
- Proceed to the booking platform
- Enter the promo code FOI2026 in the PROMO field (upper right corner)
- Select your stay dates
The code is valid for stays between 30 May – 6 June 2026.
Bookings are subject to availability, so early reservation is recommended.
FOI2026
Privacy policy
The controller of personal data is the Estonian Data Protection Inspectorate (hereinafter the Inspectorate; registry code 70004235, address Tatari 39, 10134 Tallinn, e-mail address [email protected]).
The Inspectorate processes personal data for the purpose of event FOI2026 registration and, if necessary, providing you with information or responding to you. The personal data collected during registration will be stored until the event and for 3 months after the event.
In addition to our employees/officials, access to the data may be granted to the employees of the Centre of Registers and Information Systems who have a direct need to have access to the data for the performance of their duties related to the operation and maintenance of our information and communication systems. The Centre of Registers and Information Systems is an IT development center of the Estonian Ministry of Justice, which deals with large-scale digital projects to simplify the Estonian justice and business environment. We may transfer your data to other persons/institutions only if they have a direct legal right and a legitimate need to do so.
For more information on the rights of data subjects, please see the data protection conditions of the Inspectorate: https://www.aki.ee/meist/aki/andmekaitsetingimused.
For questions about the conference or privacy policy, please contact foi2026@aki.ee
Last updated: 29.05.2026