Brussels, 21/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - Europe Direct, the European Commission's information hotline, received its 100,000th question on 13 November 2007.
Europe Direct was launched in 1998. By ringing the freephone number 00800 67891011, anyone in the EU can ask a question in any of the EU's official languages. Questions sent by email are answered within three working days on average. For more complex queries, an answer may be requested from an expert in the relevant policy area. The Contact Centre also offers a web assistance service which gives citizens online help.
In 2007 a significant number of enquiries were related to Internal Market issues (such as travelling, working and studying abroad), general questions on the EU institutions and questions on the roaming regulation. Air passenger rights account for an important number of enquiries. The number of questions on the Reform Treaty is currently on the rise. In addition to general requests on the EU, the EUROPE DIRECT Contact Centre is also the main entry point for questions on the 7th Framework Programme for Research, for enquiries of the Export Helpdesk for Developing Countries and for questions on the Internal Market (Citizens Signpost Service).
Europe Direct is open 09.00 hrs to 18: 30 hrs Monday to Friday. Outside the opening hours, a voicemail message can be left. Further info: http: //ec.europa.eu/europedirect/ (O.L.)