EU jargon can be baffling for those not familiar with the processes and instruments. Here EPHA profiles the different instruments which form part of the policy making process. This article focuses on Green and white papers
Green Paper
A Green paper issued by one of the EU institution (usually the European Commission) is a document geared at triggering discussion and input from stakeholders and parties interested in the subject of the paper. A green paper enumerates certain ideas with the intention of initiating those who are interested to contribute their views and provide information, it launches a consultation process. Although not binding and not systematically followed by any further action, it is commonly the first step of a legislative process that allows participation of the civil society, prior to producing a “white paper”, which is an official set of proposals that is used as a vehicle for their development into law.
A Green paper document attempts to take in to account the feasibility of the proposal being presented in the Parliament and the enactment of the proposals in to law.
White paper
European Commission White Papers are documents containing proposals for Community action in a specific area. In some cases they follow a Green Paper published to launch a consultation process at European level. When a White Paper is favourably received by the Council, it can lead to an action programme for the Union in the area concerned. White papers are used to educate readers and help people make decisions, and are often requested and used in politics, policy, business, and technical fields.
Examples are the White Papers on Completion of the Internal Market (1985), on Growth, Competitiveness, Employment (1993) and on European Governance (2001). More recently, the White Paper on Services of General Interest (2004) and that on a European Communication Policy (2006) have also moulded the development of Community policies. (Source: Europa.eu)