EU NETWORKS

2. OVERSEEN BY OTHER SERVICES OF THE COMMISSION

Citizens Signpost Service
Citizens Signpost Service is available from anywhere in the EU, via the free phone number of EUROPE DIRECT or via the e-form on the Dialogue with Citizens website. The service is provided by an external contractor - European Citizens Advice Service (ECAS). Legal experts can not be contacted directly. Overseen by the Internal Market Directorate-General of the Commission.

SOLVIT
SOLVIT is an on-line problem solving network in which EU Member States work together to solve without legal proceedings problems caused by the misapplication of Internal Market law by public authorities.

FIN-NET
FIN-NET is a network for settling cross-border financial disputes out of Court. In case of a financial dispute between the consumer and the financial service provider, the consumer can contact the out-of-court complaints body in his own country of residence. Overseen by the Internal Market Directorate-General of the Commission.

EURES
EURopean Employment Services brings together the European Commission and the public employment services of the countries belonging to the European Economic Area and Switzerland. Other regional and national bodies concerned with employment issues are also included, such as trade unions, employers' organisations, as well as local and regional authorities. Overseen by the Employment and Social Affairs Directorate-General of the Commission.

European Consumer Centres (Euroguichets)
The role of the network is to help European consumers understand better how to make the Internal Market work for them and to provide advise if they encounter a problem. The aim is to ensure that they feel as confident when shopping in another country as they do at home. Overseen by the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General of the Commission.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (Clearing Houses).
The Commission together with Member States have established a network of contact points or “Clearing Houses” which provide consumers with information on available ADR schemes, as well as legal advice and practical help in pursuing a complaint by this means. Overseen by the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate- General of the Commission.

The Urban Forum for Sustainable Development
The Network of Urban Forums for Sustainable Development (NUFSD) is a network of urban partners comprising Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Non-profit Organisations (NPOs), research institutions and local authorities within the European Union and accession countries. Overseen by the Environment Directorate-General of the Commission.

Business and Innovation Centres (BICs)
The European Community Business and Innovation Centres (EC BICs) are support organisations for innovative small and mediumsized businesses (SMEs) and entrepreneurs. They are recognised by the European Commission through a quality certification scheme, which enables them to obtain the European “EC BIC” label. The BICs are grouped together within the European BIC Network (EBN). Overseen by the Reseach Directorate-General of the Commission.

Innovation Relay Centres (IRCs)
IRCs have been created in order to facilitate the transfer of innovative technologies to and from European companies or research departments. The IRC network has become a leading European network for the promotion of technology partnerships and transfer mainly between small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). Overseen by the Reseach Directorate-General of the Commission.

Euro Info Centres
EICs operate in partnership with local, regional and national organisations. These organisations, which include chambers of commerce or banks, are selected according to the quality of their contact with businesses in their region.

Media Desks and Antennes
The MEDIA Programme aims at strenghtening the competitiveness of the European audiovisual industry with a series support measures dealing with the training of professionals; the development of production projects and companies; the distribution of cinematographic works and audiovisual programmes; the promotion of cinematographic works and audiovisual programmes; the support for cinematographic festivals. Overseen by the Education and Culture Directorate-General of the Commission.

Socrates National Agencies
Socrates advocates European cooperation in all areas of education. This cooperation takes different forms: mobility (moving around Europe), organising joint projects, setting up European networks (disseminating ideas and good practice), and conducting studies and comparative analyses. Overseen by the Education and Culture Directorate-General of the Commission.

Cultural Contact Points
Cultural contact are responsible for promoting the programme, facilitating the participation of as many cultural professionals as possible, ensuring an exchange of information with national cultural institutions, maintaining contact between the participants in the various Community programmes and a link with the other sources of information on the various Community programmes. Overseen by the Education and Culture Directorate-General of the Commission.

The OLAF Anti-Fraud Communicators Network
The information and communication link for the major players involved in the fight against fraud and irregularities affecting the Community financial interests. Overseen by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).