Internet based competence and signposting database
for the regional EU information centres

Description

The Bavaria EU Information Centre Network (EU-Netz Bayern) is a virtual network of non-profit EU Information Centres hosted at different regional, sectoral or technical institutions, offering EU specific advisory services on a broad variety of topics to their clients in Bavaria.

All members of the network are presented in a database which offers free internet access for any interested person. The database shows a detailed profile of each EU Information Centre including

· tasks and aims
· main operational areas
· offered advice and services
· target group or groups
· contact details
· charging strategy
· direct internet link to the institution's home page.

Different search options enable the user to quickly find and contact the EU in-formation centre closest to and most relevant for him or her.

In doing so, the database serves the improvement of the transparency and effectiveness of the complete EU information network in the region (Bavaria) towards their clients (industry and science, local authorities and citizens).

On the other hand the virtual network also serves as a platform for co-ordination and co-operation of the several EU Information Centres in the regions. Eventually it can rationalise the signposting between the different EU funded networks and initiatives.

Status quo

At the moment the Bavarian EU Information Centre Network comprises 44 (plus 8 additional in the pipeline) different information centres, among them the representation of the European Commission in Munich, the representative of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs in Brussels, different departments of the Bavarian State Ministries and their local governments, four offices of cross-border Euregios with Bavarian participation, three EU Information Centres at the cities Munich, Regensburg and Coburg, one EU Information Centre for the rural area in Upper Franconia, five EU Information Centres at Bavarian universities, three Euro-Info-Centres for the industry in Bavaria, an additional three EU Information Centres at Bavarian Chambers of Commerce, nine specialised EU Information Centres at technical or sectoral advisory service institutions, and two institutions for the promotion of European culture.

Future

Other publicly supported, non-profit EU Information Centres in or for the region, not yet included in the database, can join the virtual network. Registration in the database is free and is performed online after an examination of the conditions of admission by the database administrator (IRC Bavaria). In case of appropriate interest, please contact us.

A common flyer (brochure) has been created and will be used in the information strategies of the participating institutions.

Of course, any users' comments, requests, questions or suggestions concerning the Bavarian EU Information Centre Network or the online database are highly appreciated. Please use the contact form for your message.

Languages

Only a description is presented in English. The information is targeting at the regional (Bavarian) clients and our regional colleagues in the other EU-related networks and therefore is presented in German language only.