Objective

As defined, Core websites aim to minimise the duplication of content across the institutions’ web presence and provide access to information in a user-friendly way. They host general information shared by many different websites or departments and serve as hubs for onward navigation to further thematic content and/or specific services such as web information systems (databases).

Rules

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


The components that will be available in the Europa Components Library comprise:

  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.

On EC-branded core websites, the following specific rules apply:


 Ref.

Element/component

Rule

Notes 

A.

Header

A1

Global banner

Mandatory


A2

EC identity

Mandatory


A3

Language select

Mandatory


A4

Search box

Mandatory


A5

Class name

n/a


A6

Site name

n/a


A7

Breadcrumb

Mandatory


A8

Login

Contextual


A9

Menu bar

n/a

Core sites use the navigation system, ie no menu is needed

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


 Ref.

Element/component

Core

Notes and link to Europa components library

B.

Footer

B1

Site name

Mandatory


B2

Content owner details

Mandatory


B3

Class names

Mandatory


B4

Service navigation

Mandatory


B5

Legal navigation

Mandatory


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

The components that will be available in the Europa Components Library comprise:

  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.

On EC-branded core websites, the following specific rules apply:

Contact and support

If you require further assistance, please contact:

Comm Europa Management

European Commission
DG Communication 
Unit B.3 
Europa Web Communication