The year in review: 2020 through the eyes of the @EU_Commission's design team. /1

For the #EUGreenDeal we went for organic shapes and natural textures. We used blue, green and earthy colours and incorporated photography and data visualisation to punctuate messages. Visual concept by Lia Vagionaki. /2

The #EUGreenDeal ABC series published over the summer was made up of hand-drawn illustrations, photo collages and animations. We chose to variate the style and technique but keep a consistent colour palette. Designed by Ana Laborie and Isabelle Le Blan. /3

For #DigitalEU we chose electric colours, layered gradients and geometric textures. We wanted to emphasise movement and innovation. The visual identity is versatile and lends itself well to motion design. Concept by Sergio Bagnato. /4

The #Coronavirus response visuals used a limited palette of blue, purple, white and yellow. The layouts were kept simple and striking. The focus was on delivering clear, timely information, so we created a variety of easily editable templates. Design by Laurie Janssen.

As lockdowns were set in place across Europe, we published illustrations encouraging people to observe the local rules and stay safe. We showed scenes from daily life in soft colours, with a subtle play of light & shadow adding layers. Designer: Attila Teglas. /6

The Coronavirus Global Response raised almost €16 billion for universal access to tests, treatments and vaccines and for the global recovery. Our visuals kept the established colour scheme and emphasized the global effort. http://global-response.europa.eu  /7

We covered the economic response with facts and figures and examples on the ground, and we highlighted the importance of international scientific expertise in tackling the #Coronavirus crisis. /8

For the State of the Union address we took a direction preferred by the President: clean, uncluttered design, with a meaningful concept. The circle of dots represents unity and we used it as a semicircle to hint at the Parliament's hemicycle. Designed by Laurie Janssen. #SOTEU /9

We used the semicircle to create a visual link between #SOTEU and other policy packages adopted the same week. For example, here are the visuals done for the EU anti-racism action plan, designed by Andrei Atrokhau. /10

Migration is a complex issue, with many facets that need to be weighed together. Our visuals for #MigrationEU needed to reflect this integrated approach. We wanted to keep people at the centre of the discussion, so photography was very important. Animation: Sergio Bagnato /11

The photos were taken by the @EC_AVService, @Frontex and @EUHomeAffairs and their partners in many EU countries, on a variety of projects and topics, from integration assistance to border control and security. Migration and Asylum Pact visual concept by Andrei Atrokhau /12

For #HealthUnion we opted for a layered, fluid design. The bright, contemporary shade of blue aims to give a sense of modernity, energy, new start. Images are enveloped in soft shapes in pastel colours, hinting at protection. Designed by Isabelle Le Blan /13

Every year we create animations celebrating EU countries' architecture, gastronomy, nature, art & history. Published on national days, they are some of the @EU_Commission's most popular posts. 2020 concept: Attila Teglas. One of my favourites: Spain, by Ana Laborie. /14

In 2020, our team, like many others in Europe and beyond, needed to adjust to working from home. Sergio turned this challenge into an opportunity and set up a little stop-motion studio on his desk, for our Halloween Instagram reel. Sound on to hear Sergio's original score. /15

I close the 2020 round up here; I hope you enjoyed this peek behind the scenes.

Do let me know if you'd like more of this and follow the @EU_Commission for everything EU!

2021 is going to be particularly exciting for the design community. Hint: #NewEuropeanBauhaus