Editorial guidelines for online articles

Pitching contributions

If you would like to write a contribution for our website, please write to the relevant Head of Programme or to the Head of Communications and Outreach. See contact details here.

Formats and length

These are our usual formats:

• Commentaries (subjective and opinion-based, reflects personal views of the author): between 800 and 1200 words
• Interviews: between 800 and 1200 words
• Analyses (objective and fact-based, involves a systematic examination and evaluation of information, provides a deeper understanding of an issue): between 1200 and 1600 words
• Features (centre around the human element of a story, written in a narrative style, more creative and uses elements of storytelling): more than 1600 words
• Other formats (e.g. photo essays)

If your contribution exceeds the length, you may consider splitting it into several pieces.

Style, tone and format

• Our main target audience is EU policy-makers and stakeholders. However, our reach is much broader, so it is better to write your piece with a wide audience in mind. Therefore, avoid jargon, acronyms or too specific terminology that may hinder the flow of reading.
• Try to keep technical or academic language to a minimum. Where you have to use such language, try to include an explanation or reference for those not familiar with such terminology. 
• Keep in mind: your first sentence triggers curiosity, the first paragraph sets the scene for the topic. The last paragraph ties the text together.
• Come up with a short, concise and catchy title. A good title is enticing but not too vague.
• Include a teaser of 50 - 100 words setting out the main topic or argument of the article.
• Include a sub-heading every three paragraphs to facilitate the reading.
• Use the font Arial in size 11.
• Suggest a picture or illustration to go with the article (preferably Creative Commons licensed or Public Domain) from Flickr, Unsplash, Pexels or similar sources.

Language

• Use British English spelling. For questions on grammar and language check out the European Commission style guide.
• We may proofread your piece

Referencing

• Insert a hyperlink at the relevant point of your argument that you would like to reference.
• Avoid using footnotes and integrate material directly into the text.

Author bio and headshot

If you have not written for us yet, please include a short biographical note (100 words maximum) and a photo headshot of yourself when submitting the article. Please indicate the copyrights and credit of your headshot, if applicable. Please attach the headshot separate from the text document, in a standard photo format (e.g. JPEG, PNG).

Disclaimer

Please add the following sentence at the end of your contribution: “The views and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union.”

Dissemination

Please share your piece with your networks. If you are active on social media, please share it and/or re-share our dedicated posts. Please mention/tag our social media channels: X | LinkedIn | Mastodon | Bluesky | Instagram.