For the project SubsidyStories.eu we collected all European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) beneficiary data from all 28 EU member states and turned it into actual Open Data. Subsidystories.eu is a tool that enables the user to visualize, analyze and compare subsidy data across the European Union thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in Europe. This report goes into detail on the difficulties we encountered obtaining, cleaning and standardising the data and thereby turning it into Open Data.

This report describes the research undertaken to inform the Open Budgets data model. It is based on Deliverable 1.1 and contains a budget and spending data model survey, a knowledge elicitation report, and added explanations of basic concepts.

This report is to be used as a self-contained guide to modelling datasets according to the OpenBudgets.eu data model. It contains the RDF Data Cube Vocabulary guide showing how the vocabulary is used throughout the data model. There are also IRI patterns that should be followed when creating datasets and code lists in OpenBudgets.eu.

Participatory Budgeting is defined by the World Bank as “a process through which citizens can contribute to decision making over at least part of a governmental budget”. At the start of such processes, two prerequisites need to be met: citizens need information to understand the relevant aspects of the budgeting procedure, and they need to be sufficiently motivated to engage in the participatory budgeting process.

Fiscal transparency is defined by the IMF as “the comprehensiveness, clarity, reliability, timeliness, and relevance of public reporting on the past, present, and future state of public finances”. For journalists, parliamentarians and citizens alike, fiscal transparency can mean an unobstructed view into the financial affairs of the state.

“To meet the world’s most pressing challenges – including ending poverty and addressing climate change – will require the wise investment of public resources. National budgets that are accountable, efficient, and effective are crucial.”

“Digital technologies have the potential to transform the way that information about public money is organised, circulated and utilised in society, which in turn could shape the character of public debate, democratic engagement, governmental accountability and public participation in decision-making about public funds. Data could play a vital role in tackling the democratic deficit in fiscal policy and in supporting better outcomes for citizens.”

The EU has committed to spending €959.988 billion between 2014 and 2020. This money is disbursed through over 80 funds and programmes that are managed by over 100 different authorities. Where does this money come from? How is it allocated? And how is it spent?