The Danish economic council - The balance between political relevance and neutrality of advice

The Danish Economic Council was founded in 1962. In the article the background for the establishment of the institution and its history are described. The balance between,giving relevant advice to the political decision-makers and maintaining neutrality is the principal theme discussed. The traditional separation between ''is'' and ''ought to be'' seems difficult to maintain in practice, and the rules of the institution (which ensure that independent chairmen are found and profound internal debate takes place before publication) seem the best arguments for the institution's credibility. Some examples are given of how the institution has taken part in the economic debate in practice.