Brussels, 11/07/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has just extended its EUROPE DIRECT service, which it wants to develop into "a practical example for bringing European and its citizens closer together".
EUROPE DIRECT has already enabled citizens and companies throughout the EU to obtain answers to their questions on subjects about the EU in eleven official languages, by dialling free-phone number: 00800/6 7 8 9 10 11, or by e-mail (http: //europa.eu.int/europedirect/). Since last month, this service has been enlarged to allow visitors to the EUROPA web site to have direct contact with an operator from the EUROPE DIRECT call centre, who helps them with their on-line research.
The new service is available in English and French during call centre opening hours (Monday- Friday, 9H - 18.30H) and aims to provide advice on how to find: - information of general interest to the public on different European policies (information files, reports, statistics, work documents etc.); - EU documents on the EUROPA server (legislation, publications, press statements); - information on European integration (history, symbols, names and addresses, etc.).
This service is available at the same address as that used in sending e-mails. Service users in candidate accession countries can of course ask EUROPE DIRECT questions either by e-mail, or by telephone (+32.2.299.96.96 normal phone prices apply).
A free-hone number, however, is planned for the end of the year, which will offer complete access (free-phone 00800 6 7 8 9 10 11, with the service provided in eight additional languages).
The European Parliament ha stated that intends to actively use EUROPE DIRECT as an information in the perspective of the next elections to the European Parliament.
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