Ministerkonferensen

Ministerkonferensen is a term used in Swedish and other Nordic languages to describe meetings of government ministers intended to coordinate policy across ministries. The phrase can refer to both formal high-level gatherings and more informal consultations within the government. In practice, ministerkonferenser are typically organized within the central administration and are chaired by the prime minister or by a designated minister or cabinet office official.

The main purpose of a ministerkonferens is to address cross-cutting issues that require input from multiple ministries, such as budgetary priorities, legislative reforms, or international affairs. They aim to align ministerial positions, prepare proposals for cabinet consideration, and resolve policy disagreements that arise between ministries. While they can produce policy recommendations or agreed positions, the binding force of a ministerkonferens depends on the political and constitutional context; formal decisions often require cabinet approval or ministerial consensus.

Organization and participation vary. Attendance usually includes the ministers responsible for the relevant portfolios, with deputies and civil servants taking part in staff roles. Conferences can be held on a regular schedule (for example, monthly or quarterly) or convened on an ad hoc basis to address specific issues or crises. The format may range from formal plenary sessions to smaller working groups.

The concept also appears in analogous forms in other Nordic countries under different names. Overall, the term describes a mechanism for inter-ministerial coordination intended to ensure policy coherence and a unified government approach rather than a fixed legal institution.