As defined, EC branded Harmonised websites host specific content that answers a particular communication purpose.
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:
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| Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 |
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Web information systems | Event website | Partnership websites |
Network websites | Campaign website |
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Internal policy websites | Blogs |
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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 Group 1 websites template:
| Desktop version | Mobile version |
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| Click on pictures to enlarge |
| Components | Mandatory | Option |
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Global Banner 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 is present 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 such as: - European Commission logo
- Login
- Language select
- Europa search form
- Class name
- Site name
- Menu
| yes | no |
Harmonised Group 1 page header
the Harmonised page header gives context and information to the user on what the page is about. It is present on every page, just below the site header, except for the homepage. The page header is composed of mandatory and optional elements such as: - Breadcrumb
- Meta
- Page title
- Introduction
| yes | no |
Harmonised Group 1 Footer
The standardised 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 European Commission ecosystem. | yes | no |
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 Group 2 websites template:
| Desktop version | Mobile version |
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| Click on pictures to enlarge |
| Components | Mandatory | Option |
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Global Banner 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 Harmonised site header is present 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 such as: - European Commission logo
- Language select
- Europa search form
- Menu
| yes | no |
Harmonised Group 2 page header
the Harmonised page header gives context and information to the user on what the page is about. It is present on every page, just below the site header, except for the homepage. The page header is composed of mandatory and optional elements such as: - Breadcrumb
- Meta
- Page title
- Introduction
| yes | no |
Harmonised Group 2 Footer
The standardised 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 European Commission ecosystem. | yes | no |
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.
| Desktop version | Mobile version |
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| Click on pictures to enlarge |
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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
