Ratifitseeritud

Ratifitseeritud is an Estonian term used in international law to describe a treaty or agreement that has received formal consent from a state’s authorities to be bound by its provisions. It is the past passive participle of the verb ratifitseerida (to ratify) and is commonly encountered in legal texts, government documents, and news reports. A treaty that has been ratified is considered legally binding on the ratifying state under international law, and its obligations may also require domestic implementation through national legislation.

The process typically involves negotiation and signing at the international level, followed by a domestic step where the relevant authority or legislature approves the instrument of ratification. Depending on the country and the treaty, ratification may require parliamentary approval, the signature of the head of state or government, or even a referendum. After ratification, the instrument of ratification is deposited with the treaty’s depository or with another designated authority, and the treaty or its specific provisions become applicable to the state either from a defined date or upon entry into force as stated in the treaty.

Ratifitseeritud is used to indicate the status of international agreements in official communications, legal databases, and scholarly writing. It contrasts with other stages such as negotiations, signature without ratification, or non-ratification. The term emphasizes that a binding commitment has been formally accepted and is legally operative for the ratifying state.