Public discussions or public consultations allow the public to express their opinions on and potentially influence the decisions taken regarding substantive matters of public importance. This is associated with the freedom of expression.
Public discussions or consultations with the public can take many different forms, including in person or remotely via governmental or media platforms or social media. In addition, public discussions take place at nearly all levels of governmental decision-making, ranging from municipal to ministerial and parliamentary.
Some examples of public discussions or consultations include, but are not limited to:
- public input into draft legislation
- advisory councils and work groups in ministries
- municipal public discussions regarding the cutting down of trees or planned construction
- public discussions regarding other decisions of public importance
Some of the most common issues on which a public discussion must be held in accordance with the law include environmental, construction, and territorial development matters.
important Public representatives on inter-institutional working groups and advisory councils must be selected via an open procedure. Whilst the organising institution may set criteria for selection, the law requires that members of the public who were not selected as representatives are also heard. This order is usually established by various legal regulations of the pertinent area in question.
How can you participate in a public discussion?
The most accessible way to provide your input is via the Portal for Public Consultations (E-citizen). On the website you can also find information on other participation opportunities.
To follow legislative changes you can use the Information system for legal acts (TAIS). In the system you may review the draft legislation, submit your proposals, and follow the progress of the projects in which you are interested. You can also find the information about current proposal under consideration in the parliament (Seimas) on the parliament's website.
You may also research the advisory councils, work groups, and public discussions at the local or ministerial level and the steps you need to take in order to take part in them on the website of the respective governing body, which must contain information on public involvement. Alternatively, you can enquire with the authority about the specific issue in which you are interested.
What human rights violation may there be?
If you have not been given a say on a matter of public interest, either because the public has not been consulted or because you in particular have not been heard, your freedom of expression may have been interfered with or potentially violated.