Finnish Council of Regulatory Impact Analysis : Annual Review 2019

The Finnish Council of Regulatory Impact Analysis, set up in 2016, has established its position as a regular part of the law drafting process. In March 2019, the Government appointed the Council for its second term 2019–2022. The main task of the Council is to give statements on the Government’s draft legislative proposals. In 2019 the Council gave five proposals, which is to be considered exceptionally low. The reason for this was that the number of legislative proposals issued by the Government was also quite small and two new Governments were appointed during the year. This allowed time for the Council to engage in its international activities. In 2019 the Council chaired the international RegWatchEurope network, which required efforts especially from the Council’s secretariat and chairperson. The Council has drawn particular attention to cases where economic and social impacts have not been sufficiently explained in the Government’s proposals. The Council has also commented on shortcomings in impact assessments concerning the law drafting projects of the EU. In the statements given in 2019 special emphasis was placed on human impact assessment, such as the impacts on children and on fundamental rights. In 2019 the Council also made an initiative concerning the creation of an ex post assessment system in Finland. This was included in the Government Programme, and preparations have now been started. The Council’s role will be strengthened, as stated in Prime Minister Marin’s Government Programme. The Council has also made efforts of its own to further develop its work and enhance its impact. Based on a study of the University of Eastern Finland on the impact of the Council, completed in spring 2019, the Council has proven that it is needed for developing legislative preparation