Regjeringsenhetene

Regjeringsenhetene is a term used in Norwegian public administration to refer to the central administrative apparatus of the government, encompassing the Prime Minister's Office and the ministries along with their subordinate agencies. The phrase highlights the organizational units that support the government’s decision-making, coordination, and policy implementation.

The regjeringsenhetene are responsible for policy development, cross-ministry coordination, and the enforcement of laws and regulations. They prepare legislative proposals, draft government policy papers, manage inter-ministerial tasks, and oversee the budgeting process as part of implementing government decisions. Central coordination and secretariat functions are provided by Regjeringskontoret, which supports the Prime Minister and ministers in coordinating policy, communications, and administrative tasks.

Governance of the regjeringsenhetene rests with the political leadership of the Prime Minister and the responsible ministers. The civil service operates within the ministries and their directorates, ensuring professional administration and accountability to the Parliament (Storting) and the public. The relationship to parliament is exercised through standard budgetary and legislative processes, whereby ministries are responsible for implementing parliamentary decisions.

Historically, the central government administration has evolved to improve policy coordination and efficiency, particularly through reforms in the late 20th and early 21st centuries that clarified responsibilities and strengthened the roles of the Prime Minister's Office, Regjeringskontoret, and the line ministries.

See also: Regjeringskontoret; Regjeringsapparatet; Statsministerens kontor; Ministries of Norway.