Information on Europe in France
France boasts a large number of virtual and physical information points on the European Union, which provide information to the general public and targeted audiences (business, local authorities, etc.): representations of EU institutions, central and regional government structures, associations, websites, etc.
In addition to representing the EU institutions, the three European Parliament information offices (Paris, Marseilles and Strasbourg) and the two Representation of the European Commission in France sites (Paris and Marseilles) keep the French press and media informed of European news and give the French people information on EU issues.
To raise awareness at local level of the Community policies and activities that directly and daily affect citizens and to allow them to benefit as much as possible from the opportunities provided by the European Union (rights, complaints, recognition of qualifications, etc.), the European Commission has a free telephone information service, Europe Direct (00800 6 7 8 9 10 11), which is available in the 23 EU languages.
Information on the European Union is also provided by some 30 European Union Houses set up nationwide, a network of 58 conference speakers called Team Europe and close on 50 European documentation centres in universities, etc.
A whole host of other places also offer information on Europe: chambers of commerce, secretariats-general for regional affairs in the prefectures, town halls, trade organisations, associations, etc.
Some useful websites:
The www.europe.gouv.fr gateway presents the latest on the French institutional websites providing information on European issues.
The www.touteleurope.fr (FR) website presents the EU's organisation, history and latest news. A number of forums are available for Internet users to voice their opinions, in particular by means of the blog portal e-toile (FR).
- Updated: 22.09.2008
