Høringen

Høringen refers to a formal hearing or public consultation process used in Norwegian governance to gather input on proposed legislation, regulations, or administrative decisions. It is a structured step within the policy-making or regulatory process, intended to broaden participation, increase transparency, and improve the quality of final decisions.

Purpose and scope

The primary aim of høringen is to collect information, assess potential consequences, and identify diverse perspectives from affected groups and experts. It helps to illuminate practical implications, reveal unintended effects, and build legitimacy for forthcoming changes. While the process is advisory in most cases, the inputs gathered can influence the content of proposed laws, regulations, or administrative measures.

Procedures

A høring typically begins with the publication of a proposal and a defined consultation period during which written comments may be submitted. This may be followed by a public hearing or witness sessions where stakeholders, researchers, and representatives present testimony. Submissions are often published or summarized for the reviewing body, such as a parliamentary committee or a ministry. The reviewing body then considers the input, may amend the proposal, and reports its findings to the decision-makers.

Participants

Participants commonly include government ministries and agencies, regional and local authorities, businesses and industry associations, non-governmental organizations, academics, and members of the public. Access to participation and the exact format can vary by sector and legal framework.

Outcomes and scope

The høring itself is generally advisory, producing input that informs subsequent decisions. Depending on the jurisdiction and context, the results can lead to amended legislation, new regulations, or guidance documents. Similar procedures exist in other Nordic and European systems under the broader umbrella of public consultation.