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.
| Desktop version | Mobile version |
|---|---|
| |
| Click on pictures to enlarge | |
The specific detailed rules for EC-branded core websites, are described in detail in the Harmonised group 1 template section of the ECL.
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.
| Desktop version | Mobile version |
|---|---|
 | |
| Click on pictures to enlarge | |
The specific detailed rules for EC-branded core websites, are described in detail in the Harmonised group 2 template section of the ECL.
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:
European Commission
DG Communication
Unit B.3
Europa Web Communication