The European Union is planning a public relations offensive to prove its value, the Telegraph today reports.

According to a document obtained by the paper, "An information and communication strategy for the European Union," a new unit will be established in early 2003, to coincide with expected referendums on the single currency in Britain and Sweden.

"A true EU communication method cannot be limited to mere diffusion of information; it must give a sense to things and put the EU's actions and policies in perspective. If factual, neutral information is necessary, it is not sufficient. Experience shows that information cannot remain neutral because of the constant distortion by the media, intermediaries and other multipliers of opinion," the report reads.