Frequently asked questions

What is e-Contacts EP?

e-Contacts EP is a comprehensive address book containing contact details of all Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). It includes phone and fax numbers, e-mail, office addresses in Brussels, Strasbourg and the constituency, political affiliations, committee and delegation membership and more. It comes in the form of a Microsoft Outlook folder, but is also available in alternative formats which will be compatible with other database and communications software.

In what respect is it more than just a standard database?

e-Contacts EP contains contact details of the MEPs and is structured in such a way to allow you to select groups of MEPs according to nationality, political party, committee, etc. or a combination of these. From these groupings you can create your e-mails, letters, address labels and faxes. For example, it will take only a few clicks of your mouse to select all German socialists in the environment committee and send them all an e-mail.

What contact details are available?

Full name, national political party and European Parliament political group, member state, position in the European Parliament, membership of Committees and Delegations, addresses in Brussels and Strasbourg and, if available, the address in the constituency, language, and many more useful information.

Will updates be provided?

A new version of e-Contacts EP will be available from mid 2009. After that, you will receive regular updates at 6 monthly intervals. The updates (reflecting changes in the composition of the Parliament, Committees, delegations, or offices) are included in the price.

What skills do I need to use e-Contacts EP?

Using our step-by-step instructions, you will be able to create groups and mailings in minutes with just a few mouse clicks. If you can point and click your way through a programme like Microsoft Outlook, then you will find e-Contacts EP very simple to use.

Can I customise my e-Contacts EP database?

Yes. This is possible within the range of options offered by Microsoft Outlook.

Can I create personalised letters from a mailing list?

Yes, further assistance is available from our 'Instructions for use' and the 'Help' facility in Microsoft Outlook.

Can I send personalised e-mails from my pc?

Yes, further assistance is available from the 'Help' facility in Microsoft Outlook.

How does e-Contacts EP save me time?

Imagine: it's 17.45 and you urgently need to contact all the British and Dutch members of the Environment Committee before the end of the day. With e-Contacts EP there is no need to go searching for e-mail addresses in directories. With just a few clicks of your mouse, you will be able to make the selection of MEPs you want with their e-mail addresses. Simply write your message and the e-mail arrives in the selected MEP's inbox within minutes.

Can I update/change specific contact data myself?

Yes, but you need to note them as you will lose these changes when you get an updated version of e-Contacts EP.

How can I order e-Contacts EP?

An order form is on this web-site which you should return to us together with the signed licence agreement. Payment can be made via bank transfer or with a credit card.

What if more than one person in my organisation would like to use e-Contacts EP?

e-Contacts EP is sold with a User Licence for a specific number of people. We are flexible in providing solutions, so please call us to discuss your organisation's specific needs.

How is e-Contacts EP delivered?

Delivery will be made by e-mail.

In what format will e-Contacts EP be delivered?

e-Contacts EP will be delivered as a ready-to-use, customised contacts folder for Microsoft Outlook. If you wish, it can be delivered in alternative formats which will be compatible with other database and communications software. However, we cannot guarantee the same functionality i.e. mail merges, labels, group e-mails etc.

Are there any special hardware or software requirements?

e-Contacts EP can be used on most standard computers. The only software requirement is to have Microsoft Outlook. The standard e-Contacts EP is designed to work with Microsoft Outlook and is compatible with versions 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2007. However, e-Contacts EP is also available in alternative formats (Excel, Access, CSV) which will be compatible with other database and communications software.

How to install e-Contacts EP?

A complete set of instructions is provided with the product. As a standard format is used, installation is simple and fast and the product is ready to use without the need for any additional programmes.

What if I have problems loading e-Contacts EP?

Experience shows that most people familiar with computers will be able to install the product without any problems. Alternatively, the easiest way may be for you to enlist the help of your IT support person. Should you have a problem, we will provide e-mail or phone support and a limited amount of local on-site support. If we are unable to resolve the issue, we will refund the full purchase price.

Are the assistants' email addresses included?

In each MEP's office there is a different practice. In most offices assistants manage the MEPs emails that are sent to his standard email address. In some cases they have their own addresses which are usually composed of the MEP's first name.last name-assistant@europarl.europa.eu.