Our Identity
In an effort to enhance understanding and promote dialogue about the European Union (EU), a network of 435 Europe Direct centers has been established across the continent. These centers serve as a vital resource for citizens seeking information, advice, and assistance on various EU funding programs and project partner searches.
Operating as part of a Europe-wide network coordinated by the European Commission, these centers are committed to providing free and accessible information about the EU. They work closely with the European Commission and offer a wide range of debate and information services on EU policy.
Citizens can visit their local Europe Direct center or call a free helpline (+800 6 7 8 9 10 11) for answers about EU issues, rights, funding, grants, and other opportunities. This multilingual service is available Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00 CET.
In addition to providing information and advice, Europe Direct centers across Europe, including Germany, organize local meetings and debates where citizens can discuss EU policies, ask questions, and engage in debates that highlight the EU's role in local and regional contexts.
Moreover, these centers support trans-European educational programs, youth encounters, excursions, and digital initiatives that foster engagement with EU topics, helping young people better understand European integration and creativity. They may conduct workshops, conferences, and interactive sessions aimed at increasing citizen participation in EU affairs and promoting inclusive societal debate on key issues.
Besides physical centers, Europe Direct also engages audiences through social media, online chat services, and contact forms, enabling broader participation and discussion about the EU's work and policies.
While specific tailored programs may vary by country and local center, the general framework involves providing accessible information, facilitating public dialogue, and organizing educational and interactive activities to boost EU awareness and debate at the regional and local levels.
Europe Direct centers serve as the interface between citizens and the EU, providing information about the European Union across Europe, offering brochures, and answering questions on European political topics. They can also provide assistance in a European context or with EU institutions.
Citizens can contact the European Union to forward suggestions or criticism directly to the responsible authorities here. For teachers looking for new teaching resources, the European Union offers an "Email newsletter for teachers" about new publications suitable for teaching, which can be signed up for here.
For a visual understanding of the work of the Europe Direct centers, a video illustrating their work can be found here. Information about the individual EU funding programs can be found in the collection of "EU funding".
[1] Source: https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/contact_en [2] Source: https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/contact_en [3] Source: https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/contact_en [4] Source: https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/contact_en
