Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
See frequently asked questions about the Interinstitutional Style Guide.
- Is the Interinstitutional Style Guide a simple reference guide or a book of obligatory rules?
- Is the information relative to country names, languages or currencies authentic?
- Does the Interinstitutional Style Guide exist in other formats?
Is the Interinstitutional Style Guide a simple reference guide or a book of obligatory rules?
The conventions and rules in the style guide must be respected by all persons involved in the creation of all kinds of texts (printed or electronic) produced by the European institutions (instruction from P. de Boissieu acting in his role as Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Publications Office – see the foreword to the style guide).
Is the information relative to country names, languages or currencies authentic?
In principle, the Interinstitutional Style Guide has become the official reference for the European Union’s institutions, bodies and agencies, for all questions concerning countries, currencies and languages.
The decisions are made according to an official consultation procedure with, in particular, the Council terminology services in charge of these data in IATE (and, when necessary, with direct consultation of all services concerned). This procedure is led by the Publications Office (‘Style guide’ coordination).
Any information, question, remark or suggestion should be sent by email to:
Does the Interinstitutional Style Guide exist in other formats?
Yes, the style guide is also available in PDF format in the 24 official languages of the European Union. These PDFs can be downloaded free of charge from the ‘EU-Publications’ website. The new layout will help readers identify concepts and memorise the common writing rules and conventions. The style guide is updated regularly. For the latest modifications, see the ‘News’ page.