EC branded websites design

The design rules have been defined with 3 objectives in mind:

• provide websites users with a coherent user experience
• address the specific needs of some types of communication, such as campaigns or events
• define a clear governance model for the organisation.

For more information about the definition, governance and rules related to these sites, please read this guide’s section about EC branded websites.

The design rules are based on the 3 types of EC branded websites:

1. Core website: hosts general information shared by many different websites or departments. It serves as a hub for onward navigation to further thematic or specific content.
2. Standardised websites: are separate technical instances that host thematic content detailing, for example, policies for which the owner DG/Agency is responsible. DGs and executive agencies must use the Europa Web Publishing Platform (EWPP) to build a standardised website.
3. Harmonised websites: host specific content that answers a particular communication purpose including, for example, campaigns and web information systems such as databases.

All EC-branded websites must follow the Europa Web Guide's rules and guidelines, specifically:

• respect accessibility guidelines
• comply with the relevant rules on logos and icons
• follow the web writing guidelines and the language coverage policy
• respect the specific design rules per site type :
  • EC branded core websites design
  • EC branded standardised and harmonised websites design