Opinion: Criteria, structure and examples for external contributions [fr]

Definition and criteria for inclusion

• An opinion (op-ed) is an external contribution, which looks at a particular policy development or issue from a more detached point of view. When more analytical, they may also be called Analysis, but are published in the same place on EurActiv.com

• In general, these external contributions come from think tanks or researchers, but also from leading opinion makers, commissioners, ministers or members of the parliament.

• Contributions which mainly seek to influence on behalf of a single interest (lobbying pieces), or which self-promote an organisation should not be published as an Opinion. Therefore, when in doubt, editor’s approval is needed when publishing Opinion.

• Contributions received which do not meet one of these criteria are assumed agreed for publication in blogs on Blogactiv.eu, if they respect the relevant standards. Authors may also react directly as comments under featured articles.

• Opinions maybe provided in English or French. Their titles and abstract will be translated by EurActiv in the other languages. Opinions in further European languages are welcome by most members of the EurActiv Network.
   

Structure

• Opinions are preferably published in extenso (if EurActiv has the author’s or organisation’s explicit approval)and if relevant, then hyperlinked to the original publishing website (Project Syndicate, think-tanks and NGO’s such as EurActiv’s content partners etc.) or the author’s organisation website.

• Submitted pieces should be grammatically well-written and should not be longer than 1000 words (preference: 500 words). EurActiv may rarely edit, but does not commit to doing so.

• The title and abstract of the opinion reflect the EurActiv’s choice in underlining the relevance of the piece submitted. The title is kept the same as the original if it does fit EurActiv’s criteria, ie. short, easy to understand and snappy. The abstract is a summary in maximum 60 words, connecting with current EU policy debates.
   

Examples and languages

 
All contributors are invited to read how other contributors have structured their Opinions here. It will help.

Here are some good examples:

• The EU needs more labour migration, by Cecilia Malmström, EU commissioner
• Un nouveau projet pour Bruxelles, la capitale de l’ Europe, by Alain Deneef, founder of Aula Magna
• Small volume electronic waste remains a problem under WEEE, by Christian Vershueren, Director of EuroCommerce
   

Contacts

Whenever needed, the liaison contact whenever needed is opinion@euractiv.com. EurActiv does not need to justify its choices, but will usually reply within 3 working days.