Navigating through European Networks for EU Citizens
As the election for a new European Parliament approaches, it's important to remember the value of voting and participating in the election of our representatives in the European Union. Being part of a community, having access to a single European market, and having a high level of protection can greatly benefit our daily lives, work, travel, business, and interactions with the government or financial institutions. There are several networks in the EU, like the European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net), to support individuals, companies, organisations, or enforcement bodies with information, services, or assistance. We offer an overview of EU networks to assist in locating the right support.
How can EU citizens find the European networks?
European networks are co-financed by the European Commission (EC) and have representations in all EU countries, Norway, Iceland and, in many cases, Liechtenstein. They can be located on the ‘European Union around me’ map by searching via geographical area, keywords, or the network's name. Network teams are usually aware of other networks. If they receive an inquiry outside of their sphere of competence, they can inform individuals and guide them to the appropriate network for assistance.
EUROPE DIRECT Centres network: informs EU citizens and facilitates participation
The EUROPE DIRECT centres have been established in more than 400 locations across the EU. Their task is to explain European Union legislation and policies so people can understand them. They help bring the European Union closer to local communities and facilitate their participation in various Community development debates, surveys, and studies. The teams of the EUROPE DIRECT centres can directly inform citizens and stakeholders about funding programmes for education, social and other projects. In many countries, the EUROPE DIRECT Centres are one of the closest partners of ECC-Net. Joint initiatives, events, and information campaigns are often organised for the benefit of all stakeholders.
FIN-NET network: assists consumers with issues related to financial services
In case of problems with banks or other financial services, individuals can reach out to a representative of the FIN-NET network. It is a network of national organisations that assist in the out-of-court settlement of consumer complaints regarding financial services. The network covers EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. It was initially established by the European Commission in 2001 to promote cooperation between national ombudspersons in financial services and to provide consumers with easy access to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures in cross-border disputes concerning the provision of financial services. FIN-NET currently has 62 members in 30 countries.
SOLVIT network: reminds public authorities of EU rights for citizens and businesses
The SOLVIT network assists EU citizens and businesses whose rights have been infringed by public authorities. It is a free service provided by the national administration in each EU country and in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. SOLVIT teams can help if citizens or business representatives have problems related to visas, capital movements, VAT refunds, renewing or recognising driver's licenses, pension rights, family allowances, health insurance, and unemployment benefits.
More EU centres and networks
EU policies, programmes, and EU funds
There are dedicated centres and networks across the EU to inform citizens about specific EU policies, programmes, and funds, such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, Creative Europe Desks (CED), and the European Migration Network.
- Erasmus+ National Agencies provide information and support on the Erasmus+ programme
- Horizon Europe’s national contact points offer guidance, practical information, and assistance on the Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation
- Creative Europe Desks (CED) help the European audiovisual, cultural and creative sectors to access funding opportunities
- The European Migration Network (EMN) provides information on migration and asylum
Mobility centres
Several EU centres support mobility in the EU, such as the National Europass Centre, Eurodesk, Euraxess, Euroguidance, National Academic Recognition Information Centres, and the Enterprise Europe Network.
- A National Europass Centre is the first point of contact for information about or support with Europass, a free European tool anyone can use to manage their skills, qualifications, and career.
- Eurodesk raises awareness of European opportunities for young people
- Euraxess supports researcher mobility and career development
- The Euroguidance network promotes competence development and international learning mobility
- The National Academic Recognition Information Centres in the European Union (NARIC) support the recognition of diplomas and periods of study undertaken in other countries
- The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international ambitions
Want to know more?
ECC-Net closely collaborates with various European Union networks, national consumer organisations, business associations, and policymakers to improve consumer rights across the EU as well as in Norway and Iceland. Find out more about our partnerships on Partnerships | European Consumer Centers Network (eccnet.eu).