03. EC branded harmonised websites design

As defined, EC branded Harmonised websites host specific content that answers a particular communication purpose.

Where possible we recommend the use of ECL components, while acknowledging that some sites in this category may have specific requirements. 

We have identified three groups of harmonised sites:

Rules

Harmonised websites Group 1

Web information systems

Definition: Permanent websites providing a user-friendly interface to generate, disclose and/or filter large, detailed amounts of data stored in different systems. 

Scope: Web information systems follow design principles close to those for core and standardised websites.

Network websites

Definition: Network websites are websites or platforms set up and managed by the European Commission (as a service provider) to encourage and facilitate interaction among a specific, non-EC target audience. 

Scope: Network websites follow design principles close to those for core and standardised sites. 

Internal policy websites

Definition: Websites providing information on internal working methods of the EU institutions, standards and guidelines. Resources for institutions’ employees, partners and service providers.

Scope: Internal policy websites follow design principles close to those for core and standardised sites.

The components available in the Europa Components Library are categorised as follows:

1.   Mandatory – ECL components that must be used.
2.   Recommended – the ECL provides recommended components. There can be exceptions, i.e. requirements that go beyond the ECL – for example, on campaigns.
3.   Contextual – elements that may or may not feature on a page, depending on the communication and/or functional needs – for example Login. Where the element features, use the ECL component.

Harmonised websites Group 2

Event website

Definition: An event website's sole purpose is to advertise a specific or repeatedly occurring activity that is open to the public, organised and/or hosted by the European Commission. The website can be temporary and provide information about an event before, during and after it takes place. It can be complemented by a campaign. Event websites are only allowed for large and complex events that cannot be accommodated by the events content type.

Scope: Events may have specific requirements.

Campaign website

Definition: A temporary, online communication endeavour dedicated to promoting a single or several thematically linked activities, initiatives, services or products. The website may form the online part of a broader campaign, communicated by other channels such as print and social media.

Blogs

Definition: Regularly updated websites dedicated to publishing general features and news items about specific European Commission activities, from an individual perspective or via a corporate (DG/Agency-managed) newsletter/magazine.

The components that will be available in the Europa Components Library comprise:

1.   Mandatory – ECL components that must be used.
2.   Recommended – the ECL provides recommended components. There can be exceptions, i.e. requirements that go beyond the ECL – for example, on campaigns.
3.   Contextual – elements that may or may not feature on a page, depending on the communication and/or functional needs – for example Login. Where the element features, use the ECL component.

Harmonised websites Group 3

Partnership websites

Definition: A partnership website is a website where the European Commission is a cooperating partner in its creation but is not the sole owner of the information contained therein. It is a joint effort between the EC and non-EC partners in terms of concept, budget, management and maintenance and requires its own individual form of governance and custom style guides to accommodate possible co-branding.

Contact and support

If you require further assistance, please contact:

Comm Europa Management

European Commission
DG Communication 
Unit B.3 
Europa Web Communication