Eelarve

Eelarve (Estonian for "budget") is a financial plan that specifies expected income and planned expenditures over a defined period, typically one year. It serves as a mechanism for allocating scarce resources and guiding financial and policy decisions in governments, organizations, and households. A budget usually includes forecasted revenue, spending by function or department, capital investments, debt service, and reserves for contingencies. It may show whether a surplus or deficit is anticipated and how any gap will be closed.

In government, the eelarve is prepared by the executive branch, reviewed by the legislature, and implemented by public agencies. After adoption, authorities monitor actual performance against the budget and may issue amendments. Public budgets are often accompanied by fiscal rules, transparency requirements, and reporting frameworks.

Different types include the state budget, municipal budgets, corporate budgets, and household budgets. The budgeting process typically includes forecasting, priority setting, resource allocation, execution, monitoring, and reporting. A well-managed eelarve supports financial stability, clarifies policy priorities, and improves accountability.