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 |
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:
- Mandatory – ECL components that must be used.
- Recommended – the ECL provides recommended components. There can be exceptions, i.e. requirements that go beyond the ECL – for example, on campaigns.
- 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:
- Mandatory – ECL components that must be used.
- Recommended – the ECL provides recommended components. There can be exceptions, i.e. requirements that go beyond the ECL – for example, on campaigns.
- 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:
- Mandatory – ECL components that must be used.
- Recommended – the ECL provides recommended components. There can be exceptions, i.e. requirements that go beyond the ECL – for example, on campaigns.
- 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 | ||
Typography | Recommended | ||
Spacing | Recommended | ||
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:
- Mandatory – ECL components that must be used.
- Recommended – the ECL provides recommended components. There can be exceptions, i.e. requirements that go beyond the ECL – for example, on campaigns.
- 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:
European Commission
DG Communication
Unit B.3
Europa Web Communication