Ten million for EU external communication

(BRUSSELS2) The European Commission (*) has launched two calls for tenders to improve its communication in the field of external relations. The budget allocated to this operation – designed to increase the visibility and presence in the media of "Europe in the World" – and consequently of the High Representative, is of the order of 10 million euros maximum over a maximum of 4 years.

10 million over 4 years

According to the call for tenders (which is now closed – we are currently examining the offers), two contracts must actually be awarded. One concerns the evaluation of communication policies for a maximum amount of 0,5 million euros. The other, more important in volume, relates to media relations and the development of audiovisual materials for a maximum amount of 9,5 million euros, or still 2,4 million per year or 200.000 euros per month. A substantial sum, which should finally provide the EEAS with means of communication corresponding to its vocation.

From media relations to networking and audiovisual production

In this last contract, the operator will have the task of " assist in designing and preparing materials for the press", in the coverage of media events, in strategies vis-à-vis the media. He will also have to organize press trips to third countries, to ensure more visibility for the EU's external action in specific missions (Somalia, Afghanistan, etc.) allowing " facilitate the understanding of European positions in the country concerned", to organise briefings on specific subjects, in Brussels or in the Member States, for the press based in the EU. It will also be responsible for designing audiovisual products, translating certain documents into the "official languages ​​spoken mainly outside the EU (Chinese, Arabic, Farsi, etc.), networking by collecting email addresses of EU visitors or distributing documents, etc., etc.