On 30 March 2017, the Congress adopted a report on open data for better public services. Presented by Manuela Bora (Italy, SOC), the report highlights the growing tendency to release and re-use public data to facilitate transparency, enhance public participation and stimulate economic growth. Open data is information which can be freely re-used by anybody, without legal or technical restrictions. The report shows how open data can be a strong engine for improving local governance, with the power to transform cities into more democratic spaces. The topic is also related to the Congress’ 'Roadmap of activities for preventing corruption at local and regional levels'. Open data, by increasing transparency, constitutes a preventing tool in the fight against corruption. 'Publishing this data makes it easier for civil society to scrutinize public spending and detect corruption,' added Manuela Bora.