Journalists

Permanent accreditation

Permanent accreditation to the European Commission entitles journalists to an inter-institutional accreditation card also valid for the European Parliament and the Council. In order to obtain the permanent accreditation, proof of professional status as well as proof of secondary residence, in or near Brussels, are mandatory. Journalists working under a freelance basis need to prove they contribute to their media.

The accreditation card is valid for one year and is renewable. This card provides journalists with access to the press area of the European Commission and to its restaurant. For all other offices, journalists have to be accompanied by a member of the staff.

Accreditation is conferred by DG Communication on the advice of the Advisory Committee on Accreditation, with representatives from DG Communications, the International Press Association, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament. Request forms for EU accreditation can be filled here.

Occasional visitors

Visiting journalists with national accreditation can attend EU press events by contacting the press room team by fax (+32 2 299 4770) or e-mail. If possible, 24 hour notice is required.Special accreditation is usually needed for specific events (such as major press conferences with increased security measures or European Councils) for security reasons. Appointments may also be made to see Commission spokespersons.

Accreditation for European Commission

Contact: Pier SOLDATI
Tel: +32 (0)2 299 01 70
Fax:+32 (0)2 299 47 70
Email: pier.soldati@ec.europa.eu

Documents needed:

• • Accreditation letter from the editor-in-chief (from the HQ of the media)
• • Passport or, for EU nationals, identity card
• • National press card
• • Proof of residence in Belgium
• • Two passport photographs
•  

Accreditation for the European Parliament

In Brussels
Tel: +32 (0)2 283 30 00 

In Strasbourg
Tel: +33 3 88 17 4005
Email: press-conf@europarl.europa.eu

Documents needed:

• • National press card (or copy)
• • Passport or ID card (or copy)
• • One passport photograph
•  

Accreditation for the Council

Journalists accredited to the other EU institutions are only permitted in the press area and restaurant of the Council of the EU. To have access to other areas, you need an identification document and must be accompanied by a member of staff. Journalists who are not accredited should send a request by fax: +32 (0)2 285 85 41 or e-mail: press.office@consilium.europa.eu to the Council Press Centre.

Documents needed:

• • National press card
• • Passport or ID card
• • One passport photograph
•  

Accreditation for EU Presidency and Summits

Journalists who need access to a European Summit and other meetings arranged by the EU Presidency must be accredited directly with the EU Presidency Accreditation.

Accreditation for NATO

Contact:  Damien ARNAUD
Tel: + 32 (0)2 707 50 38
Fax: +32 (0)2 707 50 57
Email: press@hq.nato.int

Documents needed:

• • Accreditation letter from your editor-in-chief
• • Passport
• • National press card
• • Temporary press pass issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (see below)
• • Two passport photographs
•  

Accreditation to Belgian authorities

A procedure through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be followed. Once acquired, the document allows entry into all Belgian institutions.

1) Temporary press pass (valid for six months)

Contact: Nathalie Baret or Veerle Van Beveren, Press department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tel: +32 (0)2 501 80 68 / +32 (0)2 501 84 07
Fax: +32 (0)2 513 25 46
Email: presse@diplobel.fed.be / pers@diplobel.fed.be

Documents needed:

• • Passport (+ type D visa). ID Card for an EU country nationals
• • Proof of correspondent staus
• • National press card
• • Two passport photographs
•  

This temporary press card can be renewed when you have applied for registration in your Commune (municipality)


2) Permanent Press Card

This is valid for five years and is issued by the International Press Association (API)

Contact: Martine Joos
Tel: +32 (0)2 235 22 24
Email: info@api-ipa.eu

For more accurate information on accreditation to the EU Institutions click here.