Legislative initiatives

Ministry’s role in preparing legislation

One of the ministries’ key tasks is to prepare legislation for approval by Parliament. The ministry that, under the Government Rules of Procedure, covers the matter in question is responsible for preparing legislative proposals. A major part of statute drafting is related to national enforcement of EU-level decisions.

The mandate of the Ministry of Employment and the Economy covers matters such as employment, unemployment and public employment services; working environment issues, collective agreements and mediation of labour disputes; regional development; economic and industrial policy; energy policy and coordination of the national preparation and implementation of climate policy; innovation and technology policy, globalisation of businesses and technical safety; proper functioning of the markets, promotion of competition and consumer policy, and alternate civilian service.

Working groups assist and hearings are arranged in the preparation of legislative initiatives. Commissions or committees can be appointed to handle the preparation of extensive projects.

Government proposals prepared by the Ministry are handled in government plenary sessions, whereas proposals are submitted to Parliament at presidential sessions.

In addition to legislation adopted by Parliament, the Ministry of Employment and the Economy prepares lower-level regulation within the Ministry’s mandate, i.e. Government and Ministry Decrees.