Committees
Some issues the Government has to deal with are more difficult to resolve than others and require more extensive preparation before a proposal can be drafted and submitted to the Riksdag for a decision.
Examples range from major policy decisions affecting the whole of Swedish society over long periods to smaller but technically complex issues.
In dealing with matters of this kind, the Government may choose to appoint a special expert or group, officially known as a commission or committee of inquiry, to report on the matter. Committees of inquiry carry out their work in accordance with terms of reference laid down by the Government. These contain government guidelines for the committee's work, amongst other things the matter to be investigated and a closing date for the inquiry.
The conclusions of an inquiry are compiled in a report which is published in the Swedish Government Official Reports (Statens Offentliga Utredningar, SOU) series.
After a committee has submitted its report to the Minister responsible, its contents are referred for consideration to relevant authorities, advocacy groups and the public. They are given an opportunity to express their views on the conclusions of an inquiry before the Government formulates a legislative proposal.
