Summary

The legislation impact analysis concept contains proposals to improve the current level of legislation impact analysis in Estonia and was drafted from 2007–2009 within the framework of a project co-financed by the European Social Fund. The concept was developed by a four-member working group formed by the Ministry of Justice and was approved by the project steering committee in February 2009. The concept was debated at a session of the Estonian cabinet as part of the development plans for legal policy, which was to be followed by a debate in parliament as a matter of significant national importance. During the past two years, the need for a more extensive impact analysis of legislation has been pointed out by the President, the business community, the State Auditor and members of the Estonian government. Yet despite this attention, the concept and development plan for legal policy have yet to be debated in parliament as a matter of significant national importance, and the proposals it contains have yet to be implemented. Perhaps this is the result of greater focus on other, more pragmatic objectives during this time of economic difficulty.

In this article, the author explains the practical and tangible benefits that legislation impact analysis could have, whether in the form of reduced costs for the state, businesses or individuals or the improved quality of public services.