Minimikravet

Minimikravet, meaning “the minimum requirement,” is a term used in public policy in Sweden to denote a baseline set of criteria that must be met for programs, licenses, or procurement. It establishes a floor for quality, safety, and eligibility rather than an aspirational target. The concept is used across several policy areas and is often expressed as a minimum level that all applicants or bidders must satisfy.

The term is formed from the Swedish words minimum and krav, the latter meaning requirement. It is typically applied by government ministries, agencies, and municipalities through regulations, guidelines, or tender documents. In practice, minimikravet translates into concrete criteria, such as minimum safety standards in licensing, minimum energy performance in building regulations, or minimum service levels in social care.

Implementation usually involves published criteria, assessment tools, and monitoring or audits to verify compliance. When criteria are revised, the minimum standards may be raised to reflect new safety knowledge, technology, or budget considerations.

Supporters argue that minimikravet helps protect public interests, ensures consistent quality, and creates level playing fields for competition. Critics contend that overly rigid minimums can create administrative burdens, stifle innovation, or exclude smaller actors.

See also: minimum standard, baseline criteria, regulatory framework, procurement policy.