Udvalget

Udvalget is the term used in Danish governance for a committee within legislative and administrative bodies. It is formed to prepare and scrutinize work in a defined policy area. The word udvalg denotes a selected group, while udvalget is the definite form meaning the committee. In the Danish system, udvalget provides a specialized arena for examination, amendment, and oversight, complementing the plenary assembly.

In the Folketinget (the Danish Parliament), standing committees handle specific policy fields, such as finance, foreign affairs, social affairs, and the European Union. The udvalg examines proposed legislation, analyzes budgets, calls ministers and public officials to hearings, and drafts reports and amendments for consideration by the plenary. Members are drawn from the parties represented in the assembly, and majority voting determines the committee's report and recommendations. The committee's work influences both lawmaking and budget scrutiny.

In local government, municipal councils form udvalg to manage areas like education, culture, health, and the environment. These committees prepare policy proposals, oversee administration, monitor implementation of council decisions, and provide oversight of the municipal budget before it is debated in the full council. Procedure is typically formal, with meetings, minutes, and published reports; subcommittees may be used for detailed review.

See also: Folketinget, Municipal council, Legislative committee.