The 22nd European Forum of Official Gazettes (EFOG) was held in Porto, Portugal, focusing on the central theme of ‘Public Trust in the Digital Era’.
The Forum spotlighted a series of presentations and panel discussions dedicated to sharing best practices from European countries on enhancing access to legislation.
Participants discussed the latest advancements regarding the interoperability capabilities of the platforms of various official gazettes, aimed at providing users with a more comprehensive and flexible legal database, available in multiple European languages.
Within the framework of the Forum, a panel discussion addressed the mechanisms for using plain language and ensuring greater accessibility within the mandate of official gazettes.
Along with representatives from the official gazettes of France, the Netherlands, and Malta, Ms Natia Chirikashvili, Chairperson of the LEPL Legislative Herald of Georgia, delivered a speech during the panel discussion.
Ms Natia Chirikashvili shared insight with the international audience into how the Legislative Herald ensures accessibility to legislation. She put a spotlight on the platform’s adapted services for blind and visually impaired persons, as well as its efforts to strengthen citizen engagement. Furthermore, she introduced European colleagues to the translation activities of Matsne, showcasing legislative acts translated into the languages of ethnic minorities.
EFOG represents a European platform that has been functioning since 2004 and unites the official gazettes of up to 40 countries across Europe. Georgia joined the Forum in 2023 with the status of an EU candidate country and has been actively involved in its activities since, which provides the country with the opportunity to closely cooperate with European colleagues and share best international practices.