03. EC branded harmonised websites design

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 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.

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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.

The specific detailed rules for EC-branded core websites, are described in detail in the Harmonised group 3 template section of the ECL. 

Contact and support

If you require further assistance, please contact:

Comm Europa Management

European Commission
DG Communication 
Unit B.3 
Europa Web Communication