Promulgazione

Promulgazione is the formal act by which a competent public authority declares that a normative act, such as a law, decree, or treaty, has been adopted and is to be made publicly known and enforceable. In civil-law systems, promulgation is a necessary step that accompanies the completion of the legislative or constitutional process and marks the act’s transition from a text to a binding rule.

In Italy, the concept is embedded in the constitutional framework. After a law is passed by Parliament, the President of the Republic promulgates the law and orders its publication in the Gazzetta Ufficiale (Official Journal). The promulgation is the official recognition that the text is valid and ready for dissemination, while publication ensures that the law is widely accessible to the public. The date of entry into force is typically specified in the law itself or, if not stated, follows publication.

Promulgation and publication are distinct but closely linked steps. Promulgation is the act of endorsing the content as a valid normative act; publication is the process by which the text is made publicly available. Together they establish when the law becomes applicable, which can be the day of publication or a later date indicated by the act.

The concept also covers other normative instruments, such as decrees and international agreements, to the extent that a state’s constitution assigns the authority to announce and authorize their enforcement. While widely used in many countries, the exact procedures, time limits, and constitutional guarantees surrounding promulgation vary by jurisdiction. In all cases, promulgation serves to confer legal authority and public notice, enabling enforcement and compliance.