Ettekanne

Ettekanne is a formal written briefing document used in Estonian public administration and other formal decision-making contexts. It presents information, analysis, and recommendations to a recipient such as a government body, committee, or supervisor. Typically prepared by a ministry, agency, or expert group, ettekannede are circulated before meetings to inform discussions and guide decisions. The form and level of detail vary with purpose, but most ettekanned include a title and date, author and organization, purpose statement, background and context, problem statement or policy question, data and methods, analysis of options, recommendations, and implementation considerations. Many also contain cost estimates, risk analysis, monitoring indicators, and appendices.

Ettekanne is used across sectors in Estonia—for example in the work of Riigikogu committees, ministries, local government councils, and public agencies—to inform legislative deliberations, policy development, budgeting, and administrative actions. Depending on content, ettekannede may be public or restricted in circulation and are often prepared to accompany a proposal, bill, or policy paper.

In relation to other documents, ettekanne is closest to a briefing note or policy paper. It is generally shorter and more targeted than a full aruanne (report), and different from ettepanek (a proposal or motion). The term thus describes a standardized mechanism for presenting concise, evidence-based information to support decision-making in Estonian institutions.