4.8. Communicatie, EU-zichtbaarheid, publiciteit (tekst, logo's, borden en dergelijke)

Communication about your project is very important. By communicating, through your networks and or through events of any kind, you ensure knowledge of your project and its adoption by outsiders. It is also a guarantee to sustain your project and its impacts.

It is important that you present the project (including the project summary, coordinator’s contact details, list of participants, European flag/logo, funding statement and project results) on your websites or social media accounts.

You should also try to promote your actions and results throughout the project, providing targeted information to multiple audiences (including the media and the public).

Here are some key elements to take into account when communicating (email / social networks / events /…):

• Always use the same logos – be sure to acknowledge EU support and display the European flag (for all dissemination activities) as prominently as the other logos;
• Include the reference number of your project;
• Have a positive/optimistic communication towards the project, highlighting the progress and results already achieved;
• Make sure that your communication is as direct, structured and short as possible;
• Ensure quality of information: Any communication or dissemination activity related to the action should use factually accurate information;
• If you are embarking on a large-scale communication or dissemination activity that is likely to have a significant media impact, be sure to inform the granting authority.

Finally, be sure to follow the rules in your Grant Agreement, as failure to do so may result in a reduction or termination of the grant.

 What are the most common deficiencies?

• lack of clarity of the objective of the communication: the objective must be realistic and defined,
• lack of target: to ensure a relevant and personalised message, it is necessary to determine the target audience,
• lack of regularity: it is necessary to plan the communication and make sure that it is regular enough for a better visibility of your project.

Where do you look for the key information and files?

Much more specific information will be available in your grant agreement. However, below you will find documents and other tools to improve your communication in the context of European projects:

• Information from EC website specifying how to communicate on your project, also regarding the acknowledgement of EU funding;
• A document gathering communication tips for participants in European projects, in the framework of Horizon 2020;
• A short guide that provides a quick overview on communication, dissemination and exploitation – why they all matter and what is the difference?