Funding Declarations, Logos, and Languages: What Exactly Needs to Be Said—and Where?

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One of the most common pitfalls in implementing EU-funded projects has little to do with eligible costs or performance indicators. Instead, it’s something that seems minor at first glance: how to properly communicate the funding.

What exactly needs to be stated? Where? In which language? How visible should it be? And what does “correct use of the EU emblem” actually mean?

Why Are the Rules So Strict?

EU funding is not anonymous. One of the core principles enshrined in EU financial regulations is transparency: citizens must be able to see where public funds are going and why. This makes communication not just a recommendation—but a legally binding obligation.

As the European Commission puts it: policy and communication are two sides of the same coin. It’s not enough for the EU to act; it must also be visible.

Failing to comply with these rules is not a cosmetic issue. Persistent or uncorrected violations may result in financial penalties, including reduced funding.

The Funding Statement: What Must Be Included?

Minimum Required Content

At the core is the so-called funding statement—a short, clear sentence that explicitly states the project is funded by the European Union.

The key principles are:

  • Mention the European Union, not just the funding programme;
  • Ensure the text is clear, unambiguous, and visible;
  • Avoid hiding it in small print or footnotes.

The most commonly used phrases are:

  • “Funded by the European Union” or
  • “Co-funded by the European Union”, depending on the specific funding scheme.

Some funding instruments (e.g. the Recovery and Resilience Facility) require additional wording, such as:
“Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.”

Where the Funding Statement Must Appear

According to the rules, it must be included in all public-facing communication by the project:

  • The beneficiary’s website (if applicable);
  • Social media pages and profiles;
  • Presentations, brochures, reports, invitations, event programmes;
  • Videos, podcasts, infographics;
  • Educational and informational materials;
  • Scientific publications and popular articles that are part of project dissemination.

Important: The statement alone is not enough—it must almost always be accompanied by the EU emblem.

The EU Emblem: What Does “Correct Use” Mean?

Which Emblem?

Only the official EU emblem is allowed—the blue rectangle with twelve gold stars.
Any modification is strictly prohibited: no colour changes, added effects, cropping, distortion, or replacement with icons or stylised versions.

The emblem must be clearly recognisable and proportionally sized in relation to any other logos used.

What Must It Be Combined With?

The emblem must always be accompanied by the funding statement.
A logo without text is insufficient.
Likewise, a text without the emblem is also considered non-compliant.

Where and How Visible?

The key rule is visibility, not just formal presence.

  • On websites – on the homepage or a clearly accessible project page;
  • In documents – on the cover, first or last page;
  • In presentations – on the opening and/or closing slide;
  • In videos – at the beginning or end, for long enough to be noticed;
  • On posters or plaques – in a central, easily visible location.

For projects above certain funding thresholds, billboards or signs (minimum A3 size) must be placed in a public and visible spot.

What Language Should Be Used?

This is a frequently underestimated point. The rule is simple but strict: The language must suit the intended audience.

  • For national or regional projects:
    → the official language of the country (e.g., Bulgarian for projects in Bulgaria).
  • For international projects (e.g. Horizon Europe):
    → English is acceptable and often recommended.
  • For general public outreach:
    → use clear, accessible language, not overly technical or bureaucratic.

Note: If you communicate in more than one language, funding information must appear in all used languages—not just one.

Common Mistakes That Can Lead to Trouble

Based on experience from managing authorities and the European Commission, several errors occur regularly:

  • The logo is too small or hidden;
  • The statement is vague (e.g. “Supported by the programme…” without mentioning the EU);
  • Missing funding information on social media;
  • Use of outdated or unofficial logos;
  • Communication starts too late—after the project is already underway.

In research and innovation projects especially, communication is not a side activity—it’s part of the core work.

Think of Visibility as Part of the Project’s Results

The rules about funding declarations, emblems, and language aren’t just bureaucratic decoration. They are tools that help the EU demonstrate the value of public funding—and help beneficiaries demonstrate professionalism and accountability.

The good news? Once you understand the logic behind them, these requirements don’t restrict your communication—they make it clearer, more accessible, and more trustworthy.

Key Sources and Useful Links