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
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.
Harmonised websites Group 1 template
| Desktop version | Mobile version |
|---|---|
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| Click on pictures to enlarge | |
For harmonised websites Group 1 the Global Banner, the site header, the page header and the footer are all mandatory components. Inside each of these components, there are elements that are mandatory or optional as described in the table below:
| Components | Mandatory elements | Optional elements |
|---|---|---|
the Global banner is the official EU stamp that gives a visual indicator and easy access to EU institutions and bodies sites, guaranteeing the user visits an official EU website | yes | no |
Harmonised Group 1 site header the harmonised site header should be on every page. It communicates the European Commission brand and provides basic structure and guidance. The site header is composed of several mandatory and optional elements | European Commission logo linking to: site name | login language select Europa search form class name menu |
| Harmonised Group 1 page header the harmonised page header gives context and information to the user on what the page is about. It should be on every page, just below the site header, except for the homepage. The page header is composed of mandatory and optional elements | page title | breadcrumb meta introduction |
the harmonised footer should be on every page. It provides complementary information such as copyright, legal, privacy, social media, contact information and links to other important sections within the European Commission ecosystem. The footer is composed of mandatory and optional elements | site name content owner details corporate name service navigation legal navigation | DG- related service navigation DG-related navigation class names |
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.
Harmonised websites Group 2 template
| Desktop version | Mobile version |
|---|---|
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| Click on pictures to enlarge | |
For harmonised websites Group 2, the Global Banner, the site header and the footer are mandatory components. The page header is the only optional component. Inside each of these components, there are elements that are mandatory or optional as described in the table below:
| Components | Mandatory elements | Optional elements |
|---|---|---|
the Global banner is the official EU stamp that gives a visual indicator and easy access to EU institutions and bodies sites, guaranteeing the user visits an official EU website | yes | no |
Harmonised Group 2 site header the Hhrmonised site header should be on every page. It communicates the European Commission brand and provides basic structure and guidance. The site header is composed of several mandatory and optional elements | European Commission logo linking to: | language select Europa search form menu |
| Harmonised Group 2 page header the harmonised page header gives context and information to the user on what the page is about. It should be on every page, just below the site header, except for the homepage. The page header is composed of mandatory and optional elements | page title introduction | meta breadcrumb |
the harmonised footer should be on every page. It provides supplementary information such as copyright, legal, privacy, social media, contact information and links to other important sections within the EC ecosystem. All elements are mandatory | corporate name service navigation legal navigation |
Harmonised websites Group 3: Partnership websites
Definition: when the European Commission shares the ownership of a website with one or several non-EU institution(s), it is a partnership website. The European Commission and its partners co-decide on the content and cooperate in terms of budget, maintenance and management of the website.
It is mandatory to use the harmonised websites Group 3 site header with the site name as the only mandatory element and the harmonised websites Group 3 Footer. It is recommended to keep all logo(s) at the same level, either in the header or the footer of the website.
Contact and support
If you require further assistance, please contact:
European Commission
DG Communication
Unit B.3
Europa Web Communication