Lausuntomenettely

Lausuntomenettely, often translated as the "statement procedure" or "opinion-seeking procedure," is a key administrative process in Finland and some other Nordic countries. It involves soliciting comments and opinions from relevant parties on draft legislation, official proposals, or other significant administrative decisions before they are finalized. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that all relevant perspectives are considered, to identify potential problems or unintended consequences, and to enhance the quality and legality of the decision-making process.

Typically, a draft proposal is sent to a predetermined list of stakeholders, which can include government ministries, agencies, municipalities, NGOs, professional organizations, and sometimes even individual citizens or businesses likely to be affected. These parties are given a specific timeframe to submit their written feedback. The feedback received is then analyzed by the proposing authority, and it may lead to revisions of the original proposal. The lausuntomenettely is a crucial step in promoting transparency, stakeholder engagement, and good governance, contributing to more well-rounded and broadly accepted policies and laws. The process is not a formal vote, but rather an advisory one, where the proposing body ultimately decides how to incorporate the feedback.