Green paper

Green papers are documents published by the European Commission to stimulate discussion on given topics at European Union (EU) level. They invite the relevant parties (bodies or individuals) to participate in a consultation process and debate on the basis of the proposals they put forward. Green papers may give rise to legislative developments that are then outlined in white papers.

They are published on the Commission’s ‘Have Your Say’ web portal and open for stakeholder input for at least 12 weeks.
Examples include:

• Green Paper on ageing: Fostering solidarity and responsibility between generations (2021);
• Green Paper on retail financial services: Better products, more choice and greater opportunities for consumers and businesses (2015); and
• Green Paper on Marine Knowledge 2020 from seabed mapping to ocean forecasting (2012).

SEE ALSO

• EU legal instruments
• European Commission
• European Union
• White paper
• Have your say (European Commission)