Eelpretsessi

Eelpretsessi is a term used primarily in Estonian-language contexts to denote a preparatory session that occurs before a formal meeting, decision, or procedure. Its purpose is to clarify objectives, gather necessary information, assign responsibilities, and resolve procedural questions so that the subsequent formal session can proceed efficiently. The outputs of an eelpretsessi are typically non-binding and may include draft agendas, preliminary notes, or lists of issues to be addressed.

Etymology and usage vary by organization. The word combines eel-, meaning before, with pretsessi, which relates to a session or meeting. In practice, eelpretsessi can refer to a range of formats, from small committee briefings to informal working group discussions. Its authority, scope, and format are defined by the organizing body, and it may occur within governmental, parliamentary, corporate, or civil-society contexts. Because it is not universally codified, the term is used more in internal or semi-formal language rather than as a fixed procedural stage in formal statutes.

Examples of contexts where eelpretsessi might occur include preparing for a legislative committee’s discussion on a proposed regulation, coordinating a ministry’s approach before publishing policy, or aligning a corporate board’s agenda with key risk and compliance issues. In some institutions, the term is used interchangeably with preparatory meeting or planning briefing, while others distinguish it as a distinct, but non-mandatory, precursor to formal decision-making. See also preparatory meeting, working group, agenda setting.