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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:

Group 1Group 2Group 3

Web information systems

Event website

Partnership websites 

Network websites

Campaign website


Internal policy websites

Blogs



Rules

By end of 2020, all Commission websites must implement the new design components.

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.


 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:

  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.

 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:

  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.

 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:

  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.

 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

Use only EC colour specifications available in the ECL

Typography

Recommended

Apply the typographic guidelines available in the ECL

Spacing

Recommended

Apply spacing rules explained in the ECL

Icons

Contextual

Where icons feature, use commonly-used icons from the ECL.

Images

 

Contextual

Other components

Contextual

Content



See ECL components categories for more info about Mandatory, Recommended and Contextual

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.


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.

Contact and support

If you require further assistance, please contact:

Comm Europa Management

European Commission
DG Communication 
Unit B.3 
Europa Web Communication 

 

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Attention: Public content on the Europa Web Guide has moved to the EC core website: Europa Web Guide. Restricted pages are now on SharePoint: European Commission website content governance.
Important note: Please update any links to the guide in your documentation or intranet pages accordingly.

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.