Õigusloome

Õigusloome is the process of creating normative acts in a state. In Estonia, it covers the preparation, drafting, adoption, and entry into force of laws and other rules, as well as their interpretation and application. It includes primary legislation (seadused) enacted by the Riigikogu (the Parliament) and secondary legislation (määrused) issued by the government and ministries, as well as the alignment with European Union law.

Key actors and institutions in the Estonian legal system include the Riigikogu, the Government, the President, and the Chancellor of Justice (Õiguskantsler). Drafts originate in government ministries or as eelnõu (bills) in the Riigikogu. Law drafting is supported by the civil service and specialized units, and public participation is encouraged through consultations, hearings, and written feedback from citizens and organizations. The process is accompanied by impact assessments (mõjuhinnang) to evaluate economic, social, and legal effects.

Typical stages of ás õigusloome include idea formation and policy justification, drafting of the bill, public consultations, and impact assessment; parliamentary procedure with committee work and multiple readings; adoption by the Riigikogu; assent or veto by the President; and promulgation in the official publication Riigi Teataja, followed by entry into force on a specified date. For many acts, especially in areas affected by EU law, transposition and conformity with European Union rules are integral requirements.

Principles guiding õigusloome include legal certainty, constitutional compatibility, human rights protection, and alignment with EU obligations. Challenges can include ensuring clarity and implementability, preventing duplication, and maintaining timely and predictable lawmaking. Estonia’s modern legal system relies on coherent processes, codification efforts, and ongoing administrative support to sustain effective legislation.