1. The new Europe Direct information relays The local face of the Commissions strategy for dialogue with citizens European Commission Representation in Finland

2. New EUROPE DIRECT Information Relays 2005-2008 Network of one single type of EU relays recreated –for EU-25 –in line with Financial Regulation More relays –more relays in EU-15 –additionally: extended into EU-10 More money –total budget greatly increased ~ 9.984.000 –maximum grant increased Offer to all EU institutions: EU information relays European Commission Representation in Finland

3. How many relays per MS? Number of relays pro MS calculated on the basis of following criteria: Average number of EP seats (based on the population size) Geographical area of the country European Commission Representation in Finland

4. Belgium11Ireland8Netherlands13 Czech Republic 7Italy39Austria11 Denmark7Cyprus4Poland23 Germany48Latvia9Portugal13 Estonia5Lithuania9Slovenia6 Greece19Luxemburg2Slovakia12 Spain43Hungary20Finland23 France39Malta1Sweden23 TOTAL395 Number of relays pro Member State European Commission Representation in Finland

5. Strategic objectives of the network: Information and advice to the citizens Feedback about citizens concerns vs. EU Disseminating tailored messages Promoting local and regional debate European Commission Representation in Finland

6. Examples of concrete actions by the relays Informing the citizens : providing answers to their questions and access to printed, electronic and audiovisual information sources Informing the local media on EU matters and reacting to stories misrepresenting the EU Support to networking projects: help in establishing cross-border partnerships and exchanges Participation and organisation of events : information days, fairs. European Commission Representation in Finland

7. Management structure EU-15 direct management EU-10 indirect management Commission Host structure(s) New relays Commission (Reps) MS intermediary bodies Host structure(s) New relays European Commission Representation in Finland

8. Contractual basis Framework operating grant agreements for the period 2005-2008 – defines general missions and obligations of relays Specific annual operating grant agreement for every year of activity – defines relays annual work programme European Commission Representation in Finland

9. Europe Direct in Finland Call for proposal launched on 20 October 2004 28 proposals, 23 accepted One block application of 20 points hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 3 other host organisations: JAKK – Adult Education Center, Nivala-Haapajärvi Sub- Region and Pro Agria-Lapin maaseutukeskus Annual operating grant 15.000 – 24.000 / point European Commission Representation in Finland

10. Europe Direct in Finland European Commission Representation in Finland

11. Support services offered centrally by the Commission Regular supply of Documentation from Publications Office Information services through Relays website « Europe Near You » and « Europa » website Promotion activities Training European Commission Representation in Finland

12. Support offered by Commissions Representation Welcome meetings for relays staff Basic training/ information sessions Network meetings Documentation tailored to national issues Promotion activities European Commission Representation in Finland