Everything you need to manage EU transparency and visibility obligations — compliance checklists, required wording templates, fund thresholds at a glance, and key CPR articles explained.
Educational content only. These resources summarise EU regulatory requirements for informational purposes. They do not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your organisation and programme, consult a qualified legal professional or your managing authority.
Compliance · Printable
EU Visibility Compliance Checklist
Use this checklist before any audit or reporting period to verify your organisation meets all CPR 2021/1060 Annex IX visibility requirements. Click each item to mark it complete.
EU emblem displayed on all project documents and publications
Written statement "Funded by the European Union" OR "Co-funded by the European Union" written in full, placed next to the emblem
EU emblem at least as large as any other logo on the same material
Project website includes: EU emblem + acknowledgment + short description of operation
Social media posts about the project include EU emblem and acknowledgment
All events related to the project display the EU emblem prominently
Press releases and newsletters about the project carry the correct statement
If ERDF/CF total cost of operation > €500,000: permanent plaque or billboard installed at project site
If ESF+/JTF/EMFAF/AMIF/ISF/BMVI/Interreg total cost of operation > €100,000: permanent plaque or billboard installed
If below threshold: at least one A3 poster at a publicly visible location
Documentation file maintained: photos with dates, screenshots, signed declarations
Staff responsible for communications know the exact required wording
Templates · Copy-ready
Required EU Wording — Copy & Use
The exact legally required wording for different situations. Copy and paste these directly into your documents, website, and communications. Do not paraphrase — the wording must be used verbatim.
Standard funded
Funded by the European Union
Co-funded
Co-funded by the European Union
With fund name
Co-funded by the European Union — European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
Website statement (longer version)
This project has received funding from the European Union. [Project name] is co-funded by the European Union through the [Programme name]. The content of this [website/publication/material] represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Union.
Social media
Co-funded by the European Union 🇪🇺 [Project description]
Plaque text
This project is funded by the European Union / Co-funded by the European Union — [Fund name] [Programme period]
Quick reference table for physical visibility requirements based on fund type and project scale.
Fund
Threshold (total cost of operation)
Required action
Penalty for non-compliance
ERDF, Cohesion Fund
> €500,000
Permanent durable plaque or billboard at project site
Up to 3% of EU support
ESF+, JTF, EMFAF, AMIF, ISF, BMVI, Interreg
> €100,000
Permanent durable plaque or billboard at project site
Up to 3% (2% for Interreg)
All funds
Below threshold
Minimum A3 poster at publicly visible location
Up to 3% of EU support
All operations
All sizes
EU emblem + correct wording on ALL project materials
Up to 3% of EU support
Note: Threshold is based on the total cost of the operation — not public support received. Source: Article 50(1)(c), CPR 2021/1060. Interreg programmes are subject to a 2% cap under Article 36 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059.
Legal Reference
CPR 2021/1060 Key Articles
The articles you need to know. These are the primary legal basis for EU visibility and transparency obligations in the 2021–2027 programming period.
Article 46 — Communication strategy
Managing authorities must have a communication strategy covering all funded operations.
Article 47 — Emblem of the Union
Member States, managing authorities and beneficiaries shall use the Union emblem in accordance with Annex IX when carrying out visibility, transparency and communication activities.
Article 50 sets out all beneficiary visibility obligations in detail (materials, website, plaques). Article 50(3) is the enforcement provision: beneficiaries who fail to comply — and where remedial actions have not been put in place — face cancellation of up to 3% of EU support for the operation.
Article 49 — Information for the public
Managing authorities must publish structured information on selected operations and beneficiaries on programme websites.
Annex IX — Communication and visibility requirements
The complete legal checklist of what beneficiaries must do. This is the authoritative source for all visibility obligations.
What to have ready before a compliance check. EU fund managers rely mainly on self-declarations (ECA SR 2025-11), but when a formal audit happens, you need documented evidence.
Signed compliance declaration(s) for each reporting period
Photographs of physical plaques or posters — with visible date stamps, location context
Screenshots of your project website showing EU emblem and acknowledgment (with date captured)
Examples of all project publications (reports, brochures, newsletters) showing correct EU branding
Records of any events including photos showing EU emblem display
Social media archive: screenshots or exports of posts about the project with EU acknowledgment
Email or letter confirming the plaque was installed by the required date (if applicable)
Your communications templates showing the pre-embedded EU emblem and wording
Not sure if you're compliant?
Run a quick transparency audit or get in touch — we're happy to review your situation and point you in the right direction.