Find your own channels for influencing
Demokratia.fi provides up-to-date information about how matters are prepared at the local, national and EU level. Follow the preparation and have your say!
How would you like to influence?
Read about the different democracy services available
Discover the different channels for influencing
The decision-making process is different in municipalities, the government and the European Union. This section introduces you to these processes and to the different channels for influencing them.
The online service maintained by the Ministry of Justice allows Finnish citizens to launch citizens' initiatives and support initiatives launched by others. By launching a citizens’ initiative, you can propose amendments to legislation.
The online service maintained by the Ministry of Justice allows municipal residents to submit initiatives to the municipalities that have taken the service into use and support initiatives launched by others. A residents' initiative may concern the activities or services of a municipality.
The online service maintained by the Ministry of Justice allows you to submit comments and opinions on matters being prepared by authorities such as ministries, government agencies and local authorities in municipalities.
The online service maintained by the Ministry of Justice contains information about ongoing projects on which your input is needed. The purpose of the service is to enhance interaction between citizens, decision-makers and public administration.
In the service maintained by the Ministry of Justice, an association can apply for registration as a party and collect statements of support required for party registration.
In the online service maintained by the European Commission, you can directly influence EU policies by launching a European citizens' initiative or by supporting initiatives launched by others.
In the online service maintained by the European Parliament, you can submit a petition to the European Parliament or support petitions submitted by others. The subject of the petition must fall within the European Union’s fields of activity.
The website maintained by the European Commission provides information on the different ways you can have your say on EU policies. The channels for influencing include public consultations, feedback mechanisms, Citizens' Dialogues and formal complaints.
The Conference on the Future of Europe is a unique and timely opportunity for European citizens to debate on Europe’s challenges and priorities. The website is maintained by the European Commission.
Decision-making
in municipalities
Municipal residents and service users have the right to participate in and influence the activities of their municipality. A municipality may freely decide how to execute this duty in practice.
Initiatives and
initiation of matters
The online service maintained by the Ministry of Justice allows municipal residents to submit initiatives to the municipalities that have taken the service into use and support initiatives launched by others. A residents' initiative may concern the activities or services of a municipality.
Preparation and
decision-making
The online service maintained by the Ministry of Justice contains information about ongoing projects on which your input is needed. The purpose of the service is to enhance interaction between citizens, decision-makers and public administration.
The online service maintained by the Ministry of Justice allows you to submit comments and opinions on matters being prepared by authorities such as ministries, government agencies and local authorities in municipalities.
Decision-making
in counties
The future counties will be led by county councils elected by residents. The councils will decide on the counties' activities, finances and administration.
Preparation and
desicion-making
The online service maintained by the Ministry of Justice allows you to submit comments and opinions on matters being prepared by authorities such as ministries, government agencies and local authorities in municipalities.
The online service maintained by the Ministry of Justice contains information about ongoing projects on which your input is needed. The purpose of the service is to enhance interaction between citizens, decision-makers and public administration.
Preparation at
the government level
State authorities must consult with citizens, for example during the law drafting process. Citizens must be given an opportunity to protect their rights and interests and to influence decision-making on matters affecting them. By launching a citizens’ initiative, you can propose that a new act be enacted or that an act in force be amended or repealed.
Initiatives and
initiation of matters
The online service maintained by the Ministry of Justice allows Finnish citizens to launch citizens' initiatives and support initiatives launched by others. By launching a citizens’ initiative, you can propose amendments to legislation.
In the service maintained by the Ministry of Justice, an association can apply for registration as a party and collect statements of support required for party registration.
Preparation and
decision-making
The online service maintained by the Ministry of Justice allows you to submit comments and opinions on matters being prepared by authorities such as ministries, government agencies and local authorities in municipalities.
The online service maintained by the Ministry of Justice contains information about ongoing projects on which your input is needed. The purpose of the service is to enhance interaction between citizens, decision-makers and public administration.
Decision-making in the European Union
The European Council defines the EU's overall political direction and priorities. The European Commission uses these general policies as a basis for proposing new EU legislation. The European Parliament reviews the Commission's legislative proposal and makes a decision on it together with the Council of Ministers.
Initiatives and
initiation of matters
In the online service maintained by the European Commission, you can directly influence EU policies by launching a European citizens' initiative or by supporting initiatives launched by others.
In the online service maintained by the European Parliament, you can submit a petition to the European Parliament or support petitions submitted by others. The subject of the petition must fall within the European Union’s fields of activity.
Preparation and
desicion-making
The website maintained by the European Commission provides information on the different ways you can have your say on EU policies. The channels for influencing include public consultations, feedback mechanisms, Citizens' Dialogues and formal complaints.
The Conference on the Future of Europe is a unique and timely opportunity for European citizens to debate on Europe’s challenges and priorities. The website is maintained by the European Commission.
Current issues
Keep track of and support the most recent initiatives. Take part in discussions and consultations.
Read more about legislative projects.
Keep track of and support citizens' initiatives
See the most recent residents' initiatives
07.06.2023
European citizens' initiatives
Submit your opinion and make a difference
06.06.2023
Participate in discussions and surveys
Join the Conference on the Future of Europe
Express your views on EU policies
Legislative projects of the Government
Parliament's information packages on legislative initiatives
04.05.2023
26.04.2023
Legislative projects of the European Commission
Supporting participation
Suomi.fi provides information about citizens' fundamental rights, participation and civic activity, voting and channels for influencing. The site also offers a guide to voluntary work.
The elections website Vaalit.fi provides up-to-date information about elections, voting and political parties. The election results service is also available on the website.
The website of the Ministry of Justice provides up-to-date information on democracy policy, citizens' fundamental rights, law drafting and the development of legislative policy.
Finlex.fi is an online database of up-to-date Finnish acts and decrees, court decisions, other official decisions, treaties and government proposals.
Avoinhallinto.fi provides information and materials to support the development of openness and transparency in government.
The website is maintained by the Ministry of Finance.
Equality.fi is a database containing information and materials on equality, non-discrimination and good relations. The database is maintained by the Ministry of Justice.