Comparing the Roles of Regulatory Oversight Bodies in Central and East European Countries

Currently, there is ongoing discussion about the role of regulatory oversight bodies in relation to the implementation of regulatory impact assessments (RIAs). In fact, one can witness a diffusion of regulatory oversight systems, including in CEE countries, where introduction of an RIA oversight body became part of the modernization of the overall RIA process to become more effective. In fact, the regulatory oversight mechanism is seen as a tool for the instrumental role of regulation governance. However, this approach does not adequately explain the rationale behind setting up such a body; strategic and symbolic roles may be significant as well. This article first compares the manner in which oversight mechanisms have been institutionalized in five Central and East European countries: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia. Second, it explores how differences in institutionalization and operation shed light on understanding what stakeholders expect and understand in relation to control of RIA quality. The paper concludes that there are marked differences in regulatory oversight set-up and roles across Central and East Europe, notably as a consequence of the presence or absence of internal learning