Portugal Action Plan Review 2023-2027 – For Public Comment

In 2024, the Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM)The Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) is OGP’s accountability arm and the main means of tracking progress in participating countries. The IRM provides independent, evidence-based, and objective ... published the Action PlanAction plans are at the core of a government’s participation in OGP. They are the product of a co-creation process in which government and civil society jointly develop commitments to open governmen... Review for Portugal’s third action plan. The report provides a technical review of the action plan’s characteristics and the strengths and challenges the IRM identifies to inform a stronger implementation process.

In Portugal, the IRM’s findings are summarized below:

In its third cycle, Portugal opted for a four-year action plan that provides continuity to open government reforms amid changes in the country’s political leadership. Promising commitments seek to better implement access-to-information legislationCreating and passing legislation is one of the most effective ways of ensuring open government reforms have long-lasting effects on government practices. Technical specifications: Act of creating or r... by enhancing capacity buildingEnhancing the skills, abilities, and processes of public servants, civil society, and citizens is essential to achieving long-lasting results in opening government. Technical specifications: Set of ac... of public officials, particularly at the local level. Many of the plan’s commitments lack ambitionAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, OGP commitments should “stretch government practice beyond its current baseline with respect to key areas of open government.” Ambition captures the po..., focusing on ongoing efforts and training public officials. Moving forward, Portugal has the opportunity to revise the plan to strengthen its potential for results, and revitalize the National Network for Open Administration.

The public pubkic comment period ended 24 September 2024.