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:
Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 |
---|---|---|
Web information systems | Event website | Partnership websites |
Network websites | Campaign website | |
Internal policy websites | Blogs |
By end of 2020, all Commission websites must implement the new design components.
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.
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.
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.
Ref. | Element/component | Rule | Notes and link to Europa components library |
A. | Header | ||
A1 | Global banner | Mandatory | |
A2 | EC identity | Mandatory | |
A3 | Language select | Contextual | |
A4 | Search box | Contextual | |
A5 | Class name | Mandatory | Exceptions can be requested if justified by communication need |
A6 | Site name | Mandatory | |
6.1 | Site logo | Not permitted | Usage of logos is not allowed unless an exception has been granted. See Logos and icons. |
A7 | Breadcrumb | Contextual | |
A8 | Login | Contextual | |
A9 | Menu bar | Not recommended |
The components available in the Europa Components Library are categorised as follows:
Ref. | Element/component | Rule | Notes |
B. | Local footer – grey | ||
B1 | Site name | Mandatory | |
B2 | Content owner details | Mandatory | |
B3 | Service navigation | Contextual | |
B4 | DG-related navigation | Contextual | |
B5 | Class names | Mandatory | |
C. | Corporate footer |
| |
C1 | Site name | Mandatory | |
C2 | Service navigation | Mandatory | |
C3 | Legal navigation | Mandatory |
The components available in the Europa Components Library are categorised as follows:
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.
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.
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.
Ref. | Element/component | Rule | Notes |
A. | Header | ||
A1 | Global banner | Mandatory | |
A2 | EC identity | Mandatory | |
A3 | Language select | Contextual | |
A4 | Search box | Contextual | |
A5 | Class name | n/a | |
A6 | Site name | n/a | |
A7 | Breadcrumb | n/a | |
A8 | Login | n/a | |
A9 | Menu bar | n/a |
The components available in the Europa Components Library are categorised as follows:
Ref. | Element/component | Rule | Notes |
B. | Local footer | ||
B1 | Site name | Contextual | |
B2 | Content owner details | Mandatory | |
B3 | Service navigation | Contextual | |
B4 | Related information | n/a | |
B5 | Class names | n/a | |
C. | Corporate footer |
| |
C1 | Site name | Mandatory | |
C2 | Service navigation | Mandatory | |
C3 | Legal navigation | Mandatory | |
Foundations | |||
Grid | Recommended | ||
Colours | Recommended | ||
Typography | Recommended | ||
Spacing | Recommended | ||
Icons | Contextual | Where icons feature, use commonly-used icons from the ECL. | |
Images
| Contextual |
| |
Other components | Contextual |
| |
Content |
The components available in the Europa Components Library are categorised as follows:
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.
ici definition
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.