Support kit for EU visibility : 2021-2027 brand book for managing authorities and project beneficiaries.
Date: 2022-10-27
Institutions: Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy
Subjects: EU financing, EU programme, EU publication, EU sponsorship, dissemination of EU information, economic and social cohesion, information policy, printing, project funding, promotion of the European idea, public awareness campaign, social media, user guide

SUPPORT KIT 
FOR EU VISIBILITY
2021-2027 brand book for managing authorities
and project benefciaries 

Regional and 
Urban Policy 

 
 
© European Union, 2022 

The Commission’s reuse policy is implemented by Commission Decision 2011/833/EU of 12 December 2011 on the reuse of Commission 
documents (OJ L 330, 14.12.2011, p. 39 – https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2011/833/oj). 

Unless otherwise noted, the reuse of this document is authorised under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) 
licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This means that reuse is allowed, provided that appropriate credit is given and any 
changes are indicated. 

For  any  use  or  reproduction  of  photos  or  other material that is not under the copyright of the European Union, permission must be 
sought directly from the copyright holders. The EU does not own the copyright in relation to the elements indicated on the page 61 and 
62 of this publication. 

ISBN: 978-92-76-41942-6   |  DOI: 10.2776/111573     KN-01-21-306-EN-N

 
 
   
Content 

1 

2 

3 

4

Introduction 

Legal requirements 

EU emblem and the funding statement 

Physical visual elements

     4.1      Billboards & plaques

     4.2       Printed or electronic displays

     4.3       Stickers 

5 

6

Interreg and NextGenerationEU requirements 

Visual elements for online communication  

     6.1  Websites

     6.2       Social media 

        6.2.1             Visibility as part of the social media profle

        6.2.2 

             Social media posts 

7 

8 

Events & promotional items 

Typography & iconography 

5 

8 

15 

23 

25 

36 

43 

45 

48 

49 

50 

50 

52 

53 

56 

Content 

4 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 

Introduction 

Communicating EU support with a shared visual 
identity: simple, clear and coherent

Improving the visibility of Cohesion Policy has become a major priority in recent years. Every year cohesion 
funding supports thousands of projects across Europe, embodying the most tangible manifestation of the 
EU on the ground. Efective communication of these interventions helps boost further awareness of the 
benefts of the EU to people’s lives. 

As per the Common Provision Regulation (CPR), the project benefciaries are required to use the EU emblem 
in their communication to acknowledge the support received under EU programmes and contribute to the 
visibility of the EU on the ground. 

The most tangible requirement on visibility and transparency is to put up billboards, plaques and posters 
at the project site. These elements, providing information about any given project, have the potential to 
reach  locals,  visitors,  users  without  further  efort.  In  this  sense,  it  is  also  an  opportunity  for  the  project 
benefciaries to share information about their achievements. 

1 Introduction

6

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITYTo support the benefciaries to fulfl the minimum visibility requirements efciently, three closely-knit tools 
have been created: 

      In the Online Generator, the benefciaries can create in a few simple steps ready to print pdf fles 
for project-specifc billboards, plaques and posters. 

      In the Download Centre, the benefciaries can download the EU emblem with the diferent funding 
statements (standard funded and co-funded by the European Union, NextGenerationEU and Interreg), to be 
used in any communication material, printable stickers and adjustable templates for the billboards, plaques 
and posters. 

        This  brand  book  guides  benefciaries  in  making  the  most  out  of  the  visibility  requirements.    The 
brand book builds on the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) but can be used by all benefciaries of EU 
programmes. 

By using these tools, the benefciaries of EU programmes comply with the minimum visibility requirements 
set in the CPR.  The design of the diferent visibility components is simple, so that they can be used in a 
variety of contexts. In this way, these tools contribute to the visibility of EU support to local achievements, 
transparency, and enable project benefciaries to focus on further communication actions.  

1 Introduction

7

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY2 Legal 

requirements 

Regulation (Eu) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and the Council of 24 June 2021 (Common Provisions 
Regulation, CPR) sets the minimum requirements for the visibility, transparency and communication activities 
for Cohesion Policy. 

The  regulation  requires  benefciaries,  managing  authorities  and  Member  States  to  acknowledge  the  support 
from  the  European  Union  on  all  communication  materials.  An  important  element  in  this  regard  is  the  Union 
emblem together with the funding statement, which are to be displayed on all printed and digital products, 
websites, social media channels and other communication products. 

Article 46     Visibility 

Each Member State shall ensure: 
a  |  the  visibility  of  support  in  all  activities  relating  to  operations  supported  by  the  Funds  with  particular 
attention to operations of strategic importance; 
b | communication to Union citizens of the role and achievements of the Funds through a single website 
portal providing access to all programmes involving that Member State. 

Article 47     Emblem of the Union 
Member States,  managing  authorities  and  benefciaries  shall  use  the  emblem  of  the  European  Union  in 

accordance with Annex IX  when carrying out visibility, transparency and communication activities. 

2021-2027 

2014-2020 

Emblem  to  be  displayed  beside  statement 
“(Co-)funded by the European Union” spelled 
out in full. 

The EU emblem shall be accompanied by the 
name  “European  Union”,  spelled  out  in  full, 
and a reference to the specifc fund. 

No other visual identity or logo must be used 
to highlight the support from the EU. 

2 Legal 
requirements 

9 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
Article 50     Responsibilities of benefciaries 

1. Benefciaries and bodies implementing fnancial instruments shall acknowledge support from the Funds,
including resources reused in accordance with Article 62, to the operation by:

a  |  providing  on  the  benefciary’s  ofcial  website,  where  such  site  exists,  and  social  media  sites,  a  short 
description  of  the  operation,  proportionate  to  the  level  of  support,  including  its  aims  and  results,  and 
highlighting the fnancial support from the Union; 

b | providing a statement highlighting the support from the Union in a visible manner on documents and 
communication  material  relating  to  the  implementation  of  the  operation,  intended  for  the  public  or  for 
participants; 

c | displaying durable plaques or billboards clearly visible to the public, that present the emblem of the Union 
in accordance with the technical characteristics laid down in Annex IX, as soon as the physical implementation 
of  operations  involving  physical  investment  starts  or  purchased  equipment  is  installed,  in  respect  of  the 
following: 

(i) operations supported by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund the total cost of which exceeds
EUR 500 000;
(ii) operations supported by the ESF+, the JTF, the EMFAF, the AMIF, the ISF or the BMVI the total
cost of which exceeds EUR 100 000;

d | for operations not falling under point (c), publicly displaying at a location clearly visible to the public at 
least one poster of a minimum size A3 or equivalent electronic display with information about the operation 
highlighting  the  support  from  the  Funds;  where  the  benefciary  is  a  natural  person,  the  benefciary  shall 
ensure, to the extent possible, that appropriate information is available, highlighting the support from the 
funds, at a location visible to the public or through an electronic display. 

2 Legal 
requirements 

10 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
Where an ESF+ benefciary is a natural person or for operations supported under the specifc objective set 
out  in  point  (m)  of  Article  4(1)  of  the  ESF+  Regulation,  the  requirement  set  out  in  point  (d)  of  the  frst 
subparagraph shall not apply. 

By derogation from points (c) and (d) of the frst subparagraph, for operations supported by the AMIF, the ISF 
and the BMVI, the document setting out the conditions for support may establish specifc requirements for 
the public display of information on the support from the Funds where this is justifed by reasons of security 
and public order in accordance with Article 69(5). 

2. For small project funds, the benefciary shall comply with the obligations under Article 36(5) of the Interreg
Regulation.

For fnancial instruments, the benefciary shall ensure by means of the contractual terms that fnal recipients 
comply with the requirements set out in point (c) of paragraph 1. 

3. Where  the  benefciary  does  not  comply  with  its  obligations  under  Article  47  or  paragraphs  1  and  2  of
this Article, and where remedial actions have not been put into place, the managing authority shall apply
measures, taking into account the principle of proportionality, by cancelling up to 3% of the support from the
Funds to the operation concerned.

2021-2027 

2014-2020 

One  billboard  and/or  plaque  allowed  for 
multiple projects in a single  venue. 

Sanctions up to 3% for non-compliance with 
obligations. 

Benefciary  is  responsible  for  setting  up  a 
billboard and a plaque consecutively for each 
operation. 

2 Legal 
requirements 

11 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITYAnnex IX     Communication and visibility 

1. The use and technical characteristics of the Union emblem

1.1. The emblem shall be prominently featured on all communication materials such as printed or digital products, websites 
and their mobile views relating to the implementation of an operation, used for the public or for participants. 

1.2. The statement «Funded by the EUROPEAN UNION» or «Co-funded by the EUROPEAN UNION» shall be written in 
full and placed next to the emblem. 

1.3.  The  typeface  to  be  used  in  conjunction  with  the  emblem  may  be  any  of  the  following  fonts:  Arial,  Auto,  Calibri, 
Garamond, Trebuchet, Tahoma, Verdana, Ubuntu. Italic, underlined variations or font efects shall not be used. 

1.4. The positioning of the text in relation to the emblem shall not interfere with the emblem in any way. 

1.5. The font size used shall be proportionate to the size of the emblem. 

1.6. The colour of the font shall be refex blue, black or white depending on the background. 

1.7. The emblem shall not be modifed or merged with any other graphic elements or texts. If other logos are displayed in 
addition to the emblem, the emblem shall have at least the same size, measured in height or width, as the biggest of the 
other logos. Apart from the emblem, no other visual identity or logo must be used to highlight the support from the Union. 

1.8. Where several operations are taking place at the same location, supported by the same or diferent funding instruments, 
or  where  further  funding  is  provided  for  the  same  operation  at  a  later  date,  at  least  one  plaque  or  billboard  shall  be 
displayed.  

2 Legal 
requirements 

12 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITYA) SYMBOLIC DESCRIPTION Against a background of blue sky, twelve golden stars form a circle representing the
union of the peoples of Europe. The number of stars is fxed, twelve being the symbol of perfection and unity.

B) HERALDIC DESCRIPTION On an azure feld a circle of twelve golden mullets, their points not touching.

C) GEOMETRIC DESCRIPTION The emblem has the form of a blue rectangular fag of which the fy is one and a
half times the length of the hoist. Twelve gold stars situated at equal intervals form an invisible circle whose
centre is the point of intersection of the diagonals of the rectangle. The radius of the circle is equal to one
third of the height of the hoist. Each of the stars has fve points which are situated on the circumference of an
invisible circle whose radius is equal to one eighteenth of the height of the hoist. All the stars are upright, i.e.
with one point vertical and two points in a straight line at right angles to the mast. The circle is arranged so that
the stars appear in the position of the hours on the face of a clock. Their number is invariable.

D) REGULATION COLOURS The emblem is in the following colours: PANTONE REFLEX BLUE for the surface of the
rectangle; PANTONE YELLOW for the stars

E) FOUR-COLOUR PROCESS If the four-colour process is used, recreate the two standard colours by using the
four colours of the fourcolour process. PANTONE YELLOW is obtained by using 100 % ‘Process Yellow’. PANTONE
REFLEX BLUE is obtained by mixing 100 % ‘Process Cyan’ and 80 % ‘Process Magenta’. INTERNET PANTONE
REFLEX  BLUE  corresponds  in  the  web-palette  colour  RGB:0/51/153  (hexadecimal:  003399)  and  PANTONE
YELLOW  corresponds  in  the  web-palette  colour  RGB:  255/204/0  (hexadecimal:  FFCC00).  MONOCHROME
REPRODUCTION PROCESS Using black, outline the rectangle in black and print the stars in black on white. Using
blue (Refex Blue), use 100 % with the stars reproduced in negative white. REPRODUCTION ON A COLOURED
BACKGROUND If there is no alternative to a coloured background, put a white border around the rectangle, the

2 Legal 
requirements 

13 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY2 Legal 
requirements 

width of the border being 1/25th of the height of the rectangle. The principles of the use of the Union emblem by 
third parties are set out in an administrative agreement with the Council of Europe1 2. The licence on intellectual 
property  rights  referred  to  in  Article  49(6)  grant  to  the  EU  the  following  rights:  2.1.internal  use  i.e.  right 
to  reproduce,  copy  and  make  available  the  communication  and  visibility  materials  to  EU  and  EU  Member 
States’  institutions  and  agencies  and  their  employees;  2.2.reproduction  of  the  communication  and  visibility 
materials  by  any  means  and  in  any  form,  in  whole  or  in  part;  2.3.  communication  to  the  public  of  the 
communication  and  visibility  materials  by  using  any  and  all  means  of  communication;  2.4.  distribution  to 
the  public  of  the  communication  and  visibility  materials  (or  copies  thereof)  in  any  and  all  forms; 
2.5.storage  and  archiving  of  the  communication  and  visibility  materials  2.6.sub-licensing  of  the  rights  on 
the communication and visibility materials to third parties 2.7.Additional rights maybe granted to the EU. 

14 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY3 EU emblem 

& the funding 
statement 

Association of the EU emblem with the funding 
statement 

At the heart of recognition of the support from the EU is the emblem and the funding statement of the Union, 
which  Member  States,  managing  authorities  and  benefciaries  shall  use  when  carrying  out  their  visibility, 
transparency and communication activities. 

The emblem of the Union will always be used in conjunction with the relevant funding statement: «Funded by 
the European Union» or «Co-funded by the European Union». 

This chapter focuses on the use of the EU emblem and the funding statement. The following chapters will focus 
on the use of the emblem as part of diferent communication materials. 

The Commission has created ready-to-use EU emblem and funding statement elements that can be used in all 
communication materials. These are available in all EU languages and in 16 additional languages, in all colours 
and  in  both  horizontal  and  vertical  formats.  The  ready-to-use  funding  statements  can  be  downloaded  at 
the download centre: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/information/logos_downloadcente

The  next  pages  will  outline  the  basic  rules  on  the  creation  and  the  use  and  application  of  the  EU  emblem 
and the funding statement. Further information can be found in the «Operational guidelines for the use of the 
EU emblem in the context of the EU programmes» booklet: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/fles/eu-
emblem-rules_en.pdf 

3 EU emblem 
& the funding 
statement 

16 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY3.1   Horizontal option 

X  X Funded by 

the European Union 

Positive version (CMYK or digital impression process) 

Negative version 

3 EU emblem 
& the funding 
statement 

Monochrome reproduction (Specific print process on clothing and merchandise or with Pantone) 
If only black or white is available. 

If only one Pantone colour is available (reflex blue is used as an exemple here) 

17 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
3.2   Vertical option 

X 

X 

Funded by 
the European Union 

Positive version 
(CMYK or digital impression process) 

Negative version 

3 EU emblem 
& the funding 
statement 

Monochrome reproduction (Specific print process on clothing and merchandise or with Pantone) 
If only black or white is available. 

If only one Pantone colour is available (reflex blue is used as an exemple here) 

18 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
3.3   Examples of use 

Both  the  vertical  and  the  horizontal  version  can  be  used  on  a  variety  of  backgrounds.  The 
colour  of  the  emblem  and 
the  printing 
background.  Sometimes  only monochrome  print  is  possible  in  which  case  the  beneficiaries  can 
choose  between  reflex  blue  and  black outline.  On  bright  backgrounds,  beneficiaries  can  opt  for 
the  positive  version  of  the  logo (funding statement in  blue),  whereas  in  dark  backgrounds,  such 
as  black  &  white  photos,  the  negative  version  (funding statement in white) is the ideal choice. 

the  funding  statement 

is  decided  based  on 

3 EU emblem 
& the funding 
statement 

19 

A white border is used around the positive and negative versions of the EU emblem, promptly accentuating it 
and providing the required visibility. The border measures exactly 1/25 of the size of the EU emblem. 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
 
 
3.4   Protection area 

The protection area must remain free of competing texts, logos, images or any other visual element that could 
compromise its good legibility. 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

Funded by 
the European Union 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

Funded by 
the European Union 

X 

X 

3.5   Minimum size 

The minimum height of the EU emblem must be 1 cm. 

For specifc items, like pens, the emblem can be reproduced in a smaller size. 

When using the EU funding statement in small size, we highly recommend using the horizontal version. 

1cm 

3 EU emblem 
& the funding 
statement 

20 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
 
3.6   Don’ts 

3.6.1  Do not choose a font other than Arial, Auto, 
Calibri, Garamond, Tahoma, Trebuchet, Ubuntu or 
Verdana. 

3.6.2  Do not use any font efects 

Funded by 
the European Union 

Funded by the 

European Union 

3.6.3  Do not add other graphic elements. 

3.6.4    Do  not  make  the  text  disproportionally 
bigger or smaller compared to the EU emblem. 

Funded by the 
European Union 

FUNDED BY THE 
EUROPEAN UNION 

3.6.5    Do  not  use  any  colour  other  than  Refux 
blue, white or black. 

3.6.6  Do not modify the text proportions. 

Funded by 
the European Union 

Funded by the 
European Union 

3.6.7  Do not write ‘EU’. It must always be spelled 
out as ‘European’ 

3.6.8  Do not write in all capital letters. 

Funded by the EU 

FUNDED  BY 
THE EUROPEAN  UNION 

3 EU emblem 
& the funding 
statement 

21 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY      
   
 
3.6.9   Do  not  replace  the  EU  emblem  with  the 
European Commission logo. 

3.6.10  Do not replace the EU emblem with any 
other graphic element. 

Funded by 
the European Union 

Funded by 
The European Union 

3 EU emblem 
& the funding 
statement 

3.6.11  Do not modify the EU emblem. 

3.6.12  Do not add the name of the programme to 
the funding statement. 

Funded by the 
European Union 

Funded by 
The European Union
Name of the programme 

3.6.13  Do not write the name of the programme 
in conjunction with the EU emblem. 

3.6.14  Do not add a graphical element with the 
name of the EU programme 

NAM E OF THE 
EU PROGRAMME 

Name of the  
EU Programme 

22 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
 
  
4

Physical visual 
elements 

An important element with regards to the transparency and communication of the support from the funds are 
plaques, billboards and posters or electronic displays. 

These physical communication products should be clear, easy-to-read and placed readily visible to the public 
to fulfl their purpose: to inform the public about a given action that has received fnancial support from the EU. 

It is encouraged to use simple designs and to avoid squeezing information and adding too many logos. The 
templates designed for the online generator, presented on the following pages, include relevant information 
about  the  project.  The  information  provided  in  each  product  difers  slightly,  taking  into  consideration  their 
diferent uses. 

With  the  online  generator  benefciaries  can  create  ready-to-print  billboards,  plaques  and 
posters by simply flling in the project information. Even if you wish to create one of these 
communication  elements  from  scratch,  you  can  still  follow  the  suggestions  presented  in 
this brand book. 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

24 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY4.1 Billboards and plaques 

When to use billboards & plaques 

The operations that are obliged to display a plaque or billboard will fulfl the following conditions (Art. 50 (1) (c)): 
     The operation involves a physical investment or the purchase of equipment 

AND 

The total cost of the operation exceeds: 

EUR 500 000 supported by ERDF or CF 
EUR 100 000 supported by the ESF+, the JTF, the EMFAF, the AMIF, the ISF or the BMVI the total cost of which 
exceeds EUR 100 000; 

If the project does not fall into the above category, then see section 4.2 Printed and digital displays. 

The billboards or plaques should be placed on the operation site, as soon as the physical implementation or the 
purchase of equipment starts. Plaques and billboards are to be made of durable material that enables long-
lasting diplay. Unlike before, the CPR does not diferentiate between a billboard and a plaque. If a benefciary 
sets-up a billboard and wishes to change it to a plaque afer the completion of a construction, for example, this 
can be done as long as the plaque is set up as soon as the billboard is taken down. 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

25 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY     
4.1.1   Billboard templates 

The  billboard  templates  used  in  the  online  generator  provide  key  information  on  the  project  to  ensure 
transparency. 

The billboards are set up when the operation involves a physical investment or the purchase of equipment and 
the total cost of the operation exceeds fund specifc limits mentioned on page 11. 

Billboards are placed next to the location where the operation takes place, so that it is readily visible to the 
public. 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

26 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
4.1.1.1 Elements 

MAIN ELEMENTS: 

1   Title 

The «title» should be the name of the operation 
or its main objective. The title should be short 
and  meaningful  to  the  public.  Try  to  avoid 
acronyms or jargon that cannot be understood 
without  being  familiar  with  the  project  or  the 
specifc feld. 

2   EU emblem and the funding statement 
Within  these  templates  the  EU  emblem  is 
to  be  placed  on  the  bottom  lef  corner.  The 
funding  statement  should  always  be  in  the 
local  language.  The  benefciaries  can  choose 
between the «Funded by the European Union» 
and  «Co-funded  by  the  European  Union» 
funding statements.  

8 

6 

5 

2 

OTHER ELEMENTS: 

3  Partner logo(s): 

7 

1 

4 

3 

As per the CPR, if other logos are displayed in addition to the Union emblem, the Union emblem shall have 
at least the same size as the biggest of the other logos. 

The template used in the online generator allows for a maximum three additional logos. These can be for 
example logos of the Member State or the region. The additional felds for the logos are optional and it is 
recommended to add only the necessary one. 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

27 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
  
4  Project description 

The description should not exceed 400 characters. Plain and clear language is recommended, therefore 
avoiding the use of acronyms, jargon and/or repetition. A good project description explains the project’s 
objective(s) in a meaningful and simple manner to the public. 

5  Financial contribution 

This section is composed of two information felds «Total budget» and «EU funding». «Total budget» refers to 
the overall budget of the project, including both the EU funding and the public/private funding. «EU funding» 
refers to the amount of EU support of the total budget.

6  Duration 

 «Duration» indicates the time frame of the project. It is displayed month/year. 

7  Picture 

Image quality 
Resolution on a computer is measured in pixels per inch (PPI), which converts directly into DPI. A 300PPI 
digital image will print in 300DPI. An image might look qualitative enough on computer, but still look low-
resolution when printed. A digital image can have a great number of pixels, while having a low DPI, afecting 
its quality while printed (72 DPI is considered to be low). 
As they are ofen viewed from a distance, bigger billboards can aford to be lower in DPI. But 300 DPI should 
be the goal. An image should never be under 1O0 DPI, no matter how large, or how far away the billboard 
will be displayed. 

Image Size depending of format 

3000 x 4000 mm - 5906 x 2661 px 

2000 x 2000 mm  - 1921 x 7874 px 

Copyright holder 
Don’t forget to mention the picture copyright holder. 

8  Website 

With the reference to a website you can provide further information about the project. The online generator 
creates the QR code automatically from the website. Make sure that the information on the website stays 
up-to-date in the long-run. 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

28 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY4.1.1.2 Do’s and dont’s 

Placement of elements 

The placement of all elements should be respected at all times. All the elements within the template have been 
meticulously measured and placed based on a grid system. 

It should be ensured that the placement of the duration, funding and budget elements should not be shifed and 
that both the title and the body text should be aligned and justifed on the lef. The picture needs not to be rotated, 
as it should be aligned with the blue line right underneath it. Finally, the logos should be separated in a clear way 
and no logo should be bigger than the EU emblem and the funding statement. 

DO 

DON’T 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

29 

Rotate 
elements 

Change font 
style or case 

Change 
placement 
of elements 

Change order 
or size of logos 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITYPlacement and size of billboards 

The CPR states that the plaque or billboard shall be placed publicly. It is highly recommended that projects put 
up a durable billboard or plaque of signifcant size on the infrastructure or construction, or (if not possible) at a 
place nearby, that is readily visible and accessible to the public. 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

30 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY4.1.2   Plaque templates 

As with billboard templates, the plaque templates used in the online generator provide key information on the 
project to ensure transparency. 

In case the operation involves a physical investment or the purchase of equipment and the total cost of the 
operation exceeds fund specifc limits, mentioned on page 11 a plaque needs to be set up. 

Plaques should be placed next to the location where the operation takes place, as they have to be readily visible 
to the public. 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

31 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY4.1.2.1  Elements 

MAIN ELEMENTS: 

1   Title 

6 

The  «title»  should  be  the  name  of  the  operation 
or its main objective. The title should be short and 
meaningful to the public. Try to avoid acronyms or 
jargon  that  cannot  be  understood  without  being 
familiar with the project or the specifc feld. 

2   EU emblem and the funding statement 

Within  these  templates  the  EU  emblem  is  to  be 
placed  on  the  bottom  lef  corner.  The  funding 
statement should always be in the local language. 

2 

The benefciaries can choose between the «Funded 
by  the  European  Union»  and  «Co-funded  by  the 
European Union» funding statements. 

5 

1 

4 

3 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

32 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITYOTHER ELEMENTS: 

3  Partner logo(s): 

As per the CPR, if other logos are displayed in addition to the Union emblem, the Union emblem shall have 
at least the same size as the biggest of the other logos. 

The template used in the online generator allows for a maximum three additional logos. These can be for 
example the logos of the Member State or the region. The additional felds for the logos are optional and it 
is recommend to add only the necessary ones. 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

4  Project description 

The description should not exceed 400 characters. Plain and clear language is recommended, therefore 
avoiding  the  use  of  acronyms,  jargon  and/or  repetition.  A  good  project  description  explains  the  projects 
objective(s) in a meaningful and simple manner to the public. 

5  Website 

With the reference to the website you can provide further information about the project. Make sure that the 
information on the website stays up-to-date in the long-run. 

6  QR code 

The QR code is generated automatically by the online generator.  

33 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
4.1.2.2 Do’s and dont’s 

Placement of elements 

Diferent factors have been taken into account for the placement of each one of the elements present in this 
template. Therefore, none of them should be misplaced, rotated or inverted. 

The text should be lef aligned and justifed and the title should be written in all capitals, as shown in the following 
example. 

Finally, the order of the logos should be respected at all times and the partners’ logos should not appear bigger 
than the EU emblem and the funding statement. 

DO 

DON’T 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

34 

Rotate 
elements 

Change 
placement 
of elements 

Change Font 
Style 

Change 
placement 
of elements 

Change 
order logos 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITYPlacement and size of Plaques 

The CPR states that the plaque shall be placed publicly. It is highly recommended that projects put up a durable 
plaque of signifcant size on the infrastructure or construction, or (if not possible) at a place nearby, that is readily 
visible and accessible to the public. 

Managing authorities can aid benefciaries in choosing the most suitable format by giving them enough fexibility 
in  terms  of  sizes  and  materials  to  be  used.  A  common  challenge  is  meeting  the  obligation  of  permanent 
information materials under rigorous historical reconstruction rules. No restriction on materials and a minimal 
restriction on sizing aids the benefciaries and reduces the need of benefciaries for individual counselling. 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

35 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY4 Physical 
visual elements 

4.2   Printed or electronic displays 

According to the Article 50 (1) (d) those operations that do not fall under the requirements to put up a billboard 
or a plaque, are obliged to publicly display at least one poster or electronic display of a minimum size A3 with 
information about the operation highlighting the support from the Funds. 

The templates ofered here are suitable for the electronic displays as well. However, electronic diplays allow the 
use of diferent efects and even animations in a more creative and fun way than a printed poster. 

The printed or electronic displays should be set up as soon as the project begins. 

36 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY4.2.1   Poster templates 

Poster templates serve the same purpose as the billboard and plaque posters.  They provide key information on 
the project to ensure transparency. In the templates available in the download centre, the user can adjust the 
provided information based on their project. 

Posters need to be placed in such manner that they are fully visible by the public. 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

37 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY4.2.1.1  Elements 

MAIN ELEMENTS: 

1   Title 

The  «title»  should  be  the  name  of  the  operation 
or its main objective. The title should be short and 
meaningful to the public. Try to avoid acronyms or 
jargon  that  cannot  be  understood  without  being 
familiar with the project or the specifc feld. 

2   EU emblem and the funding statement 
Within  these  templates  the  EU  emblem  is  to  be 
placed  on  the  bottom  lef  corner.  The  funding 
statement should always be in the local language. 

The benefciaries can choose between the «Funded 
by  the  European  Union»  and  «Co-funded  by  the 
European Union» funding statements. 

9 

6 

5 

2 

7 

10 

8 

1 

4 

3 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

38 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITYOTHER ELEMENTS: 

3  Partner logo(s) 

As per the CPR, if other logos are displayed in addition to the Union emblem, the Union emblem shall have 
at least the same size as the biggest of the other logos. 
The template used in the online generator allows for a maximum three additional logos. These can be for 
example the logos of the Member State or the region. The additional felds for the logos are optional and it 
is recommend to add only the necessary ones. 

4  Project description 

A good project description explains the project’s objective(s) in a meaningful and simple manner to the 
public. Therefore, the use of plain and clear language that avoids jargon, is recommended. Benefciaries can 
highlight the support from the funds also in the project description. 

In the online generator the maximum characters for the project description is 400, including spaces. It is 
not recommended to exceed this limit in any case as those more curious can fnd further information on the 
benefciary’s website, for example. 

5  Financial contribution 

This section is composed of two information felds «Total budget» and «EU funding». «Total budget» refers to 
the overall budget of the project, including both the EU funding and the public/private funding. «EU funding» 
refers to the amount of EU support of the total budget.

6  Duration 

 «Duration» indicates the time frame of the project. It is displayed month/year. 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

39 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
7  Picture 

Image quality 
Resolution on a computer is measured in pixels per inch (PPI), which converts directly into DPI. A 300PPI 
digital image will print in 300DPI. An image might look qualitative enough on computer, but still look low-
resolution when printed. A digital image can have a great number of pixels, while having a low DPI, afecting 
its quality while printed (72 DPI is considered low). 
As billboards are ofen viewed from a distance, bigger billboards can aford to be lower in DPI. But 300 DPI 
should be the goal. An image should never be under 1O0 DPI, no matter how large, or how far away the 
billboard will be displayed. 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

Image Size depending of format 

A3 - 3508 x 1624 px 

A0  - 4967 x 2304 px 

Copyright holder 
Don’t forget to mention the picture copyright holder. 

8  Website 

With the reference to the website you can provide further information about the project. Make sure that the 
information on the website stays up-to-date in the long-run. 

9  QR code 

The QR code is generated automatically by the online generator. 

10  Responsible for publication 

«Responsible for publication» is a notion present in some Members State’s legislation. It refers to the entity 
who is responsible for the specifc billboard or poster (most likely project benefciary). 

40 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
4.2.1.2 Do’s and dont’s 

Placement of elements 

The poster templates use the space available as efectively as possible. All the elements are positioned following 
a  visual  hierarchy,  which  makes  the  content  easier  for  the  reader’s  eye.  Therefore  it  should  be  noted  that  no 
element should be placed elsewhere. Also, elements should not be rotated, refected or inverted. 

The picture should not be rotated, whereas it should be aligned to the blue line below it. No other fonts and no 
other colours should be used, than the ones present. The text should be lef aligned and justifed and the title 
should  be  written  in  all  capitals.  Finally,  no  logo  should  appear  bigger  than  the  EU  emblem  and  the  funding 
statement and logos should be separated in a clear way. 

DO 

DON’T 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

41 

Rotate 
elements 

Change Font 
Style 

Change 
placement 
of elements 

Change order 
or size of logos 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITYPlacement and size of posters and electronic displays 

The CPR states that the poster or electronic display of equivalent size (minimum A3) shall be placed at a location 
clearly visible to the public. This means for example displaying them prominently at the entrance of the location. 

Since posters are cost-efcient to produce, to ensure visibility, the benefciaries can consider placing a few of 
them at the project site and especially if the projects are carried out in diferent locations. However, it is not the 
intention to overproduce them. It is also considered a good practice to update the posters when they wear out. 
This is also an opportunity to provide updated information on the project. 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

42 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY4.3   Stickers 

Stickers are optional elements to enhance the visibility of EU support. Since they are not a regulatory requirement, 
the stickers cannot replace billboards, plaques or posters. However, their smart use can considerably contribute 
to the communication eforts by concretely showing objects that have been funded by the EU. They are also 
more fexible and can be efortlessly placed in multiple locations. 

Stickers  have  been  created  in  all  EU  languages  for  the  co-funding  statement.  The  bottom  ribbon  colours 
utilise  the  ofcial  colours  of  the  policy  objectives for 2021-2027. You can fnd them on page 60. 

The  stickers  are  available  to  download  at  the  download  centre.  When  printing  them  remember  to  take 
into  consideration the placement of the sticker to defne the right quality and strength of the sticker, as well 
as the sticky side (front or back). 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

43 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITYThe stickers are both practical and versatile elements to enhance the visibility of the projects. Whereas billboards, 
plaques and to an extent even posters, are ofen located in one place only, the stickers can be placed on diferent 
elements or diferent locations that have been supported by the project. 

4 Physical 
visual elements 

44 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY5 Interreg & 

NextGenerationEU 
requirements 

Interreg 

The  regulation  for  the  European  Territorial  Cooperation,  requires  in  the  Article  36  that  the  term  «Interreg» 
should  be  written  next  to  the  EU  emblem.  Interact  has  created  funding  statements  that  can  be  used 
by  the  Interreg  programmes  and  beneficiaries.  The  design  uses  the  already  well  established  Interreg 
wordmark, while respecting the protection area of the EU emblem. 

The Interreg specific funding statements are available in all colours on Interact website. Interact is 
also developing an online generator for the Interreg programmes and projects to use. 

5 Interreg & 
NextGenerationEU 
requirements 

46 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
 
 
NextGenerationEU 

According  to  the  specifc  regulation  for  the  Recovery  and  Resilience  Fund,  the  benefciaries  are  required  to 
complement the «Funded by the European Union» funding statement with «NextGenerationEU». 

The specifc funding statement for the NextGenerationEU is made available in all languages and colours in the 
download centre. Also, the online generator includes the option to create billboards, plaques and posters with 
the specifc NextGenerationEU funding statement for the Recovery and Resilience Fund benefciaries. 

5 Interreg & 
NextGenerationEU 
requirements 

47 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
6

Visual 
elements 
for online 
communication 

Websites and social media are most likely the main sources of information about the project by the benefciaries 
for the specifc target audiences as well as for the so-called «general public». The benefciaries are required, per 
the article 50 (1) (a), to provide a short description of the operation that is proportionate to the level of support 
on  the  benefciary’s  ofcial  website  and  social  media.  The  description  should  include  information  about  the 
operation’s aims and results, and highlight the fnancial support from the Union. 

The principles of visibility and the use of the EU emblem are similar across platforms. To indicate the support from 
the Union, the benefciaries are invited to use the EU emblem and the relevant funding statement prominently 
on websites and on visuals. 

See tips and tricks on how to structure a website and how to best utilize social media in the «Communicating 
Cohesion Policy» booklet. 

6.1   Websites 

According to Annex IX the EU emblem shall be prominently featured on websites and on social media. 

To ensure this the benefciaries are encouraged take into consideration the diferent elements outlined in the 
Annex IX: the size of the EU emblem in relation to other possible logos, providing sufcient space for the emblem 
and the funding statement. 

It is considered a good practice to display the EU emblem and the reference to the funds inside the viewing area 
of digital devices, without requiring the user to scroll down the page. 

6 Visual elements 
for online 
communication 

49 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
 
 
6.2  Social media 
Highlighting  the  EU  support  on  social  media  can  be  done  in  many  diferent  ways!  The  visuals,  including 
the  videos,  should  be  branded  with  the  EU  emblem  and  the  funding  statement,  and  the  information  about 
the  EU  support can be given also as part of the profle description or individual posts. 

See on page 19 how to best integrate the EU emblem and the funding statement as part of pictures. 

6.2.1  Visibility as part of the social media profle 

On social media profles the EU emblem and the funding statement can be applied on the profle or the 
banner pictures – provided that the social media platform provides a banner option. 

Banner  option  provides  more  space  to  integrate  the  emblem  and  the  funding  statement  and  can 
therefore be recommended. In both cases the benefciary should add the brand elements on the pictures 
so that they remain complete even if the platform crops the image. 

Remember also to mention the EU support in the profle description. 

6 Visual elements 
for online 
communication 

50 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
 
 
 
6.2.1.2  Examples 

6 Visual elements 
for online 
communication 

51 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
 
 
6.2.2  Social media posts 

When the benefciary posts about the project on their social media channels, it is recommended that the 
post mentions the support from the EU, visually using the brand elements and/or the support is mentioned 
in the text. The benefciary can vary these approaches between individual posts. 

6 Visual elements 
for online 
communication 

1:1 format 
(Instagram or facebook post) 

52 

1080 x 1920 format (Instagram or facebook story) 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
 
 
7

Events & 
promotional 
items 

Promotional items 

Awareness-raising on the programme or the project is the most common reason for purchasing promotional 
items. They can be used as giveaways at events, conferences, exhibitions, or in other awareness campaigns. 
Also these communication materials should integrate the EU emblem and the funding statement on them. 

7 Events & 
promotional items 

54 

The  items  pictured  above  are  only  an  example  of  what  promotional  items  could  look  like  and  they  are  not 
ofered by the European Union. 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
 
7 Events & 
promotional items 

To consider: 
In producing public and promotional items such as those mentioned above it is worth taking a minute to consider 
their impact environmentally, socially and economically:  

Prefer items that are needed and have a high use value. 

Prefer European and local products and production sites closer by. 

Prefer durable, environmentally friendly materials. 

Prefer durable, reusable items and designs; avoid single use, for example in banners avoid dates and stay 

general.  

55 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
 
8

Typography 
& iconography 

8.1   Templates Typography 

Trebuchet 

Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss 
Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz Àà Ââ Éé Èè Êê Ëë Îî Ïï Ôô Ùù Ûû Çç 

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

Trebuchet  is  the  main  font  used  throughout  all  templates  (billboards,  plaques  and  posters).  Titles,  subtitles, 
headings and body text are all written in Trebuchet. 

Arial 

Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss 
Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz Àà Ââ Éé Èè Êê Ëë Îî Ïï Ôô Ùù Ûû Çç 

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

The funding statement, however, is written in Arial, according to the guidelines. 

8 Typography 
& iconography 

57 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY8.2   Colours 

The  templates  are  based  on  three  colours:  blue,  black  and  grey.  Blue  is  the  colour  used  in  the  lines,  which 
accentuate the picture used and the content of the template in general. The project specifc information, with 
the  exception  of  the  title  is  written  in  black.  Finally,  grey  is  used  when  no  picture  is  added  in  the  template. 
However, it should be noted, that adding a picture to the template is strongly recommended. 

8 Typography 
& iconography 

58 

R 63 G 129 B 195 
C 76 M 43 Y 0 K 0 
#3f81c3 

R 0 G 0 B 0 
C 0 M 0 Y 0 K 100 
#000000 

R 225 G 225 B 225 
C  10  M  8  Y  8  K  0 
#e1e1e1 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
Each Cohesion Policy objective is associated with a specifc icon and a colour. 

The managing authorities are invited to use these when communicating about a specifc policy objective. 

Benefciaries can also use these in their communicaion to highlight the objctive their project is contributing to. 
For example, the benefciaries can choose the corresponding colour for the stickers they apply. 

Smarter Europe 

Greener, carbon-free Europe 

Connected Europe 

Social Europe 

Europe closer to citizens 

8 Typography 
& iconography 

59 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
When managing authorities want to communicate about a specifc policy objective related to the Interreg 
programme they can use the following icons: 

Safer Europe 

Better cooperation governance 

8 Typography 
& iconography 

60 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
Chapters 

Cover page: Northwest multimodal transport hub -  Provides  an  increased  rail  capacity  and  has  a  strong  balance  on  services for 
cycling,  public  transport  and  active  travel  users  in  the  Region,  as  well  as  encouraging  a  shift  from  car  to  public transport. 
UK and Ireland © Northwest Multimodal Transport Hub 

Page 3:  Recovery and restoration of the museum complex Santa Maria della Scala - One of the first hospitals in Europe has been 
redeveloped into a museum with the support of EU funding. Siena, Italy. Picture among the winners of the EUinmyregion photo 
competition 2020 © Comune di Siena 

Page 5: Sofia Metro Extension Project, Sofia Airport Station - Project connected the capital city to the airport with the support of 
the EU. Sofia, Bulgaria. Picture among the winners of the EUinmyregion photo competition 2019. © Council of Ministers of the 
Republic of Bulgaria. Photographer Plamen Andreev. 

Page 8:  New Neighbourhood - Project provides information on affordable housing and living space design that is oriented towards 
the common good, organized on a cooperative basis. Vorarlberg, Austria. Picture among the winners of the EUinmyregion photo 
competition 2020. © Regionalentwicklung Vorarlberg eGen 

Page 15 and 54: An innovative observation tower with nature and educational path in treetops – A construction a year-round 
tourist and recreational infrastructure in Krynica-Zdrój - Observation tower with a nature and educational path through the crowns 
of the Beskid Sądecki trees built with the financial support of the EU. Krynica-Zdrój, Poland. Picture among the winners of the 
EUinmyregion photo competition 2020. Beneficiary: Słotwiny Arena Sp. z o. o. © Michał Skowronek 

Page 23: LIFE ADAPTATE -Project aims to increase the commitment of European municipalities by the development of local 
adaptation plans giving a comprehensive approach to the climate change fight. Picture among the winners of the EUinmyregion 
photo competition 2020. © Mertola Municipality 

Page 45: Sistema per chirurgia robótica funded by ROP Sardegna European Regional Development Fund. Thanks to the project, 
Sardinian hospitals were  equipped with new surgical systems that aid operating doctors to conduct surgeries in a way that allows 
patients to recover faster. Sardinia, Italy. Picture among the winners of the EUinmyregion photo competition 2020. © Nicola Belillo 

Page 48: Qualificar o espaço publico entre o plano edificado e o plano de agua de Baía do Seixal - Project rehabilitated the public 
space at the Seixal riverfront. Seixal, Portugal. Picture among the winners of the EUinmyregion photo competition 2020. © 
Município do Seixal 

List of pictures 

61 

Page SUPPORT KIT FOR EU VISIBILITY 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPORT KIT FOR 
EU VISIBILITY 

Page 53: Restoration of Convento de Santa Cruz do Bussaco - This 392-year-old building, located in the Buçaco 
National Forest, which was the only desert of the Descaled Carmelite Religious Order in Portugal was restored during 
the project. Mealhada, Portugal. Picture among the winners of the EUinmyregion photo competition 2020. 
© Municipality of Mealhada 

Page 56: Integration of 3D metal printing - Project supported the take off of  3D printing of  metal parts with in the 
SME context. Project among the winners of the REGIOSTARS awards competiti on 2021. Flanders, Belgium © Sirris 

Mock-ups 

Pages 26, 27, 29, 30, 52: 
Improving water tourism on Upper Tisza River, Hungary 
© Creative Commons 

Pages 37, 38, 41, 42: 
Fostering high-tech manufacturing in Estonia 
© Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech)/Kristian Kruuser (2018) 

Page 51: 
Image used in the social media banners Sabina Berezina / Shutterstock.com

List of pictures 

Page 54: 
An innovative observation tower with nature and educational path in treetops – A construction a year-round tourist 
and recreational infrastructure in Krynica-Zdrój 
© Michał Skowronek 

Illustrations have been created with stock images from Shutterstock.com. 
Page 19: Besjunior, DenisBelitsky, Jamesteohart 
Page 30: ArtOfPhotos, MeloDPhoto
Page 35: Popovphoto, macondo
Page 42: ImageFlow 
Page 44: Maria Sbytova
Page 52: Ingus Kruklitis, findus27 
Page 54: Dima Moroz
Page 55: Temo Sukhitashvili
Page 55: Lalandrew 
On pages 44 and 55 stock images from Graphic burger have also been used. 

Page  62