Press Release: A new information service to give citizens fast, easy access to information about Europe

Viviane Reding, European Commissioner responsible for Citizenship, launched the 'Europe Direct' service on 25.5.00, which offers free telephone help-lines in each member state, a direct response service via email and links to information and advice facilities at national, regional and local levels. The 'Europe Direct' service will be promoted through an information campaign commencing on 29.5.00.

Developed from a small scale operation under that name linked to the Europa web server since 1996, the Europe Direct service acts as a first point of contact to help people who do not know where to find the answer to their questions about the EU. Europe Direct handles enquiries on all areas of the work of the EU, including people's rights and opportunities to live, work and study in other Member States. It answers general enquiries directly and, for more complex questions, guides people to the best source of information or advice.

Viviane Reding said: 'Europe Direct will help to bridge the gap between EU citizens' desire for information and their access to it. There is a wealth of information out there, but often people simply do not know how or where to find it. Now they have a single point of contact that can set the process of help in motion. Europe Direct will also allow the Commission to collect valuable feedback about citizens' interests and concerns, for use in developing future policy.'