03-11-2004 The role of an EC Representation in informing the public – experience in Hungary TELLING THE STORY 26 - 27 NOVEMBER 2007, BRUSSELS Communication instruments of the European Commission

Main actors in EU communication in the MSs Representation of the European Commission (DG Communication) Information Office of the European Parliament Member State, governmental organizations (EU Communication Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; National Development Agency) NGOs, civil society, local governments TELLING THE STORY 26 - 27 NOVEMBER 2007, BRUSSELS

Role of the Representation Two-way communication Provision of information To relay the policies, major events, measures and opinions of the European Commission to the Hungarian media, social and economic actors and the broader public. = To bring the Union closer to the citizens. Providing information about the European Union across the country through its information networks, e.g. EUROPE DIRECT. Listen to public opinion To inform the Commission about developments in Hungary. TELLING THE STORY 26 - 27 NOVEMBER 2007, BRUSSELS

EUROPE DIRECT information network European Information Points (20 offices at county level) answering questions of the public on EU matters Advising on grants, on international co-operations, projects Organizing events Conference speakers Team Europe Hungary (28 members), includes experts of the various funds and programs EURO TEAM European Documentation Centers Supporting research and teaching on EU matters TELLING THE STORY 26 - 27 NOVEMBER 2007, BRUSSELS

Main actions of the Representation in Budapest Pilot Representation (Action Plan on Communication) Conferences e.g. Constitution Stakeholder forums, e.g. SMEs,, Transparency Initiative, etc. Media briefings, press conferences Mass events: 9th May, 50th Anniversary Supporting of stakeholders in EU communication: Radio and TV grants, jour fixe, European Studies series Public opinion polls Focus: Students, 2006 Create blue!, 2007 School Days, Universal Europe TELLING THE STORY 26 - 27 NOVEMBER 2007, BRUSSELS

Europe Day Events TELLING THE STORY 26 - 27 NOVEMBER 2007, BRUSSELS

Actions linked to Structural Funds Conference on the use of the Structural Funds in Hungary, 19th January 2008 with the participation of Commissioner Hübner „50 years integration at 50 location” public forums: strategy-creation of local communities Group visits to Brussels: development experts Tender-writing training for the ED relays Stakeholder forums TELLING THE STORY 26 - 27 NOVEMBER 2007, BRUSSELS

Thank you for you attention! Kinga Kollár EC Representation in Budapest Kinga.Kollar@ec.europa.eu TELLING THE STORY 26 - 27 NOVEMBER 2007, BRUSSELS