There is no single document comprehensively articulating regulatory policy in Latvia. However, many particular elements of regulatory policy are firmly embedded in strategic documents of the government. The obligation to conduct regulatory impact assessment (RIA) was introduced in 2009. RIA is required for all draft legal acts including subordinate regulations submitted to the Cabinet. RIA should be prepared early in the policy-making process and undergoes public consultation with the draft law. The impacts assessed cover mostly financial, budgetary, and administrative costs. Quantification of impacts tends to be rare. There is a structured and systematic process for consulting with social and civil partners. Reviews of regulatory stock are mostly business-oriented. While there is no explicit programme on ex post reviews of regulation, the regulatory framework is being improved continuously through intensive co-operation with stakeholders.
Latvia should consider the introduction of a threshold test for the preparation of more in-depth impact analyses for draft legislation and policy documents and explore ways for improving the quantification of the impacts of draft legislation and policy documents, including through guidance and capacity development for cost-benefit analysis.
