"A Proposal to Improve Technical Management of Internet Names and Addresses" prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DoC) as a means of making recommendations to the Internet community and obtaining their comments. The Green Paper was released in January 1998 and was followed by a comment period during which DoC received comments from interested parties and organizations around the world. In response to the comments received, DoC published the policy statement referred to at the White Paper. (q.v.) (See: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/domainname/dnsdrft.htm)

a preliminary report of government proposals that is published in order to stimulate discussion

a consultative phase that precedes the drafting of a planning or policy document

a discussion document setting out ideas and inviting comment and views from individuals and relevant organisations

a document intended to launch a process of consultation on a particular topic

a government discussion paper which seeks public input

a more provisional document, intended to initiate or stimulate debate

an exploratory one that is designed to stimulate discussion amongst a wide audience

a paper by the government which asks people what they think

a proposal published by the government that allows the public to debate a particular topic

a tentative report of British government proposals without any commitment to action

A draft policy document on a particular topic prepared by a government Department.

A paper presenting tentative proposals on an important topic (e.g. unemployment, health services) presented to the Australian or British Parliament by the Cabinet or a Minister, to stimulate debate and public discussion. The name derives from the green cover.

A preliminary report of proposals published in order to stimulate discussion and/or invite comment. Compare: White Paper.

Green Papers are documents issued by the European Commission to stimulate debate and launch a process of consultation at European level on a particular topic (such as social policy, the single currency, telecommunications). These consultations may then lead to the publication of a White Paper, translating the conclusions of the debate into practical proposals for Community action.

A preliminary discussion or consultation document often issued by the government in advance of the formulation of policy.

Traditionally the first official document on the path to forming government policy. It outlines the thinking of government, without committing it to particular policies, and forms the basis for discussion with interested and affected groups.

In 1996 the EU Commission started the "horizontal study on PVC", consisting of 5 individual studies. The outcome of these together with other information is the body of the "green paper on PVC" issued in 2000

Document published by the Commission in order to stimulate a wider debate or public consultation at the European level. Such consultations often lead to the publication of a White Paper, which translates the results of the consultation into concrete action

In Britain, the Republic of Ireland and other similar jurisdictions (e.g. Australia) a green paper is a tentative government report of a proposal without any commitment to action; the first step in changing the law. Green papers may result in the production of a white paper.