avreglerats

Avreglerats is a Swedish term used to describe a market, sector, or service that has undergone deregulation, meaning that government-imposed controls on prices, entry, or business practices have been removed or loosened. The form is the past participle of avreglera, derived from av- (removal) and reglera (to regulate). The term is common in economic and public policy discussions to indicate a shift from tightly regulated arrangements toward more market-driven or competition-based systems.

In practice, avreglerat can apply to a broad range of industries. Sectors frequently described as avreglerats include electricity, telecommunications, transportation, and various financial services, but the concept can refer to any industry that has been liberalized from prior restrictions. The designation emphasizes the regulatory change rather than the current state of the market.

Economic and social effects attributed to avreglering are debated. Proponents point to increased competition, lower prices, greater innovation, and more consumer choices. Critics warn of higher price volatility, potential declines in universal service or safety standards, and the risk of market power if competition is insufficient, underscoring the need for complementary oversight and regulatory frameworks.

Historically, many advanced economies pursued deregulation from the 1980s onward, with notable activity in energy and communications sectors. In Sweden and nearby regions, electricity and telecommunications markets experienced significant liberalization in the late 20th century, with ongoing reforms in other sectors through the 1990s and 2000s. See also avreglering and liberalisering.