European Transparency Network established - BfDI takes over chairmanship of ENTRI

Representatives from academia, the media, civil society and more than 50 freedom of information commissioners from all over the world discussed legal issues and practical perspectives on freedom of information for three days. This year's special focus was on access to environmental information.

With the aim of underscoring the important role of civil society, the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI) enabled NGOs from around the world to hold their own event at the ICIC for the first time this year.

During the ICIC 2025, the European partners established the European Network for Transparency and Right to Information (ENTRI).

The host of this year's ICIC, Prof. Dr. Louisa Specht-Riemenschneider, said:

"ENTRI is a strong voice for more transparency and freedom of information in Europe. Together with our European partners, we have established a network for exchange and cooperation. For us, free access to information is a pillar of good governance and democracy."

The BfDI has taken over the chairmanship of the new network for the next three years.

The right to transparency and freedom of information must be defended and strengthened. Access to government information is not a privilege, but must be a fundamental right. Prof. Specht-Riemenschneider

The ICIC 2026 will be hosted by Sierra Leone.