EUROPE DIRECT information relays act as an interface between EU and its citizens at local level. The mission of the network is to distribute information and advice about the European Union’s policies, actively promote local and regional debate about the European Union, allow the European institutions to disseminate local and regional information and give the public the opportunity to send feedback to the European Union institutions.
Europe Direct (which took its name from an earlier initiative) was launched in 2005, although the UK chose not to join the network until 2006. Members of the Europe Direct network both offer and promote EU information to the general public in their area, whilst a central enquiry point offers a wide-ranging information service via telephone and e-mail. EDCs are now officially part of the Europe Direct network.