The ESO’s remit
The Expert Group on Public Economics (ESO) consists of eight members supported by a Secretariat.Formally, the ESO is a committee attached to the Ministry of Finance.Its remit and mandate are given in its terms of reference (ToR 2007:46).
The ESO’s remit is to make an independent contribution to expanding and deepening the knowledge data available for future socio-economic and fiscal policy decisions.The form in which this takes place combines current research and independence with proximity to the political decision-making process.The assignment is primarily fulfilled by commissioning researchers and institutions to carry out studies that are published in the ESO’s publication series and on its website.The ESO also stimulates debate by organising seminars and conferences.
A distinguishing characteristic of the ESO's work is its independence.This is due to the fact that its activities are undertaken independently of political considerations.The ESO’s terms of reference are generally framed to give the Board broad scope to decide for itself where the focus should lie, and stress that its work is to be independent.At the same time, the contracted authors are themselves responsible for the conclusions drawn in ESO reports.