@GraylingPR introduces a new visual guide to legislative processes in CEE

Grayling (@GraylingPR), leading global communications consultancy, presented its latest eye-catching educational tool allowing those who are interested in the law-making process across Central and Eastern Europe to better understand how laws are made in this region. The infographic gives a useful overview of the main stages by which new legislation is adopted in seven CEE countries: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Russia.

The infographic will aid professionals across the CEE region, who will now have instant access to intelligence on the similarities and differences in legislative decision-making – and therefore an understanding of how best to build advocacy programs to influence these processes.

The data shows that the countries have much in common, with the procedure usually consisting of three main stages and many points of similarity in the details. Furthermore, the consultation process, which usually precedes the first reading in the Parliament, is a vital stage in terms of influencing decision-making across the region. It is also the least transparent stage since negotiations behind closed doors dominate the process in all seven countries.

The parliamentary stage in each country is characterized by work in specialist committees, with every parliamentarian across the seven CEE countries – with the exception of Russia’s Federation Council (Upper House) – being directly elected. A final point of similarity is that, in the final stage, all draft Acts must receive Presidential assent.

However, the infographic also reveals several important differences across the region. For example, while most CEE countries tend to skip the consultation process to accelerate the pace of law-making, in Romania it is mandatory to submit all draft laws for public consultation, no matter who has initiated the draft legislation. Furthermore, Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovakia are the only countries with a unicameral system, which means there is only one parliamentary chamber

Gergely Ábrahám,

Head of CEE Public Affairs Practice Group at Grayling.

A final factor which has an important impact on advocacy campaigns is the number of ministries in each country, which varies significantly. Bulgaria, for example, the second smallest country of the seven analysed, has 17 government ministries, compared with Hungary, which has consolidated down to just nine.  

Grayling is a leading global communications network founded in 1981 to deliver data-driven strategies for Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Government Affairs and Investor Relations. Grayling operates from 57 offices in 28 countries worldwide across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.

The firm works across multiple sectors including Government & Public Sector, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Healthcare, Technology, Consumer Brands, Financial Services and Transport & Logistics.

Grayling is part of Huntsworth plc, an international consultancy group focused on public relations and integrated healthcare communications.