Separate dates with either prepositions or dashes but don't mix them.
For date ranges where you indicate the year only, use a short dash with no spaces.
If the years are in the same century, don't repeat the century.
For date ranges where you indicate more than just the year, use a short dash with a space on either side of the dash.
In most cases don't write numbers out, use numerals (1, 2, 3) which are easier to read onscreen.
However, avoid 2 numerals next to each other: 8 one‑day sessions, not 8 1-day sessions.
In English, Irish and Maltese, a point is used to separate whole numbers from decimals:
A comma is used for the same purpose in all other languages and in multilingual texts:
A ‘non-breaking’ space is used to indicate thousands in whole numbers (not a comma). Decimals are grouped in a single block:
Avoid using fractions. Decimals are easier to read and understand onscreen.
For readability, use the words million, billion and trillion rather than a series of 000's
Billion means a thousand million (not a million million) Trillion means a million million.
In general do not abbreviate million and billion. However to avoid excessive repetition (for example in tables) they can be abbreviated to 'm' and 'bn' respectively. Use a space after the digits.
Country | Deficit (€) |
Country A | 10 m |
Country B | 15 bn |
• if we don't need the highest level of accuracy, we can use rounding e.g. €60 million dedicated to language training for migrants, not €60,250,005 dedicated…
• use only the number of digits that are necessary and make sense for clear communication
• a disclaimer should be added, when applicable, at the beginning or end of the publication describing the rounding policy and the reasons for possible inconsistencies - e.g. Figures have been rounded to one decimal place for the sake of brevity
Write the full number including the international code. Use + instead of 00. Separate the regional prefix from the main number.
If the number does not send the caller to a specific department within the Commission, add Commission switchboard in brackets.
Example:
+32 2 299 11 11 (Commission switchboard)
Do not use spaces between symbols and figures.
Avoid using the ampersand (&) - use 'and' instead.
Use the following symbols
Do not use a space between the numbers and the symbol.
If you require further assistance, please contact:
European Commission
DG Communication
Unit B.3
Europa Web Communication
The Europa Web Guide is the official rulebook for the European Commission's web presence, covering editorial, legal, technical, visual and contractual aspects.
All European Commission web sites must observe the rules and guidelines it contains.
Web practitioners are invited to observe its contents and keep abreast of updates.
More information about the web guide.