The European Commission Office in Wales was established in Cardiff in 1976 as an information office of the European Commission. Over time the role and responsibilities of the office have evolved and today the EC Office is the political representation of the European Commission in Wales, operating in the fields of public affairs, public diplomacy, political contacts, press & media activity, and outreach to the general public. As such the EC Office is the voice of the European Commission in Wales, but also its eyes and ears. Based on this, the EC Office in Wales has as its main responsibility the representation of EC interests in Wales. The EC Office also tries to facilitate and mediate in contacts between Welsh authorities and interest groups and the EU institutions, with a view to fostering closer ties between the two.