Terms and conditions
This portal is used for media accreditation during European Councils and other high level events.
Media accreditation is granted exclusively to members of the press working for bona fide media organisations. Requests are reviewed by the Council press office following criteria defined together with the International Press Association (API), the body representing the international press in Brussels.
Requests are also subject to a security verification. Information submitted will therefore be used by the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union (GSC) and sent to one or more National Security Authorities.
All accredited journalists must adhere to the General rules applicable to the press centre and to any specific additional rules that would be set by the General Secretariat of the Council. It is reminded that it is forbidden, under any circumstances, to publish any picture or image of the badge received or any image where this badge would appear on the internet or social media. Similarly, all accredited journalists undertake not to have any picture or image of this badge published by a third party on the internet or social media.
The Press office of the General Secretariat of the Council reserves the right to revoke accreditations of any journalist whose behaviour interferes with the smooth running of the media or other activities of the European Institutions.
Conditions for media accreditation
Who is eligible?
Media accreditation is only accessible to journalists from bona fide media organisation.
Journalists applying for media accreditation to the European Council must fulfil the following criteria:
- They must be an employee of a bona fide media organisation or a freelance journalist who regularly covers EU affairs for a bona fide media organisation.
- Journalism must be their main source of income.
To be considered a bona fide media, your organisation must fulfil the following criteria:
- They must be editorially independent and a commercial organisation with no distribution restrictions.
- They must be open about how and by whom it is financed.
- They must provide information on the activities of the European Institutions.
- Additional requirements for online media: the website must be a professional online media website which adheres to the rules laid down for media organisations (see above), and have a specific, verifiable street address and telephone number. The majority of the website content must cover original news, commentary or analysis, must cover EU affairs and be updated at least once per week.
Who is NOT eligible?
- Paper or online publications which are communications outreach or advocacy publications of governmental, non-governmental or non-profit organisations.
- Think tanks or interest groups.
- The Council will reject applications from non-journalists, lobbyists and consultants, or individuals who have a professional side activity that it deems incompatible with a press accreditation.
What are the criteria used to review your application?
All requests for accreditation are reviewed by the Press office of the General Secretariat of the Council. For this purpose, you may be asked to provide additional information/documentation (e.g. proof of work, employment contracts, proof of income, etc.).The General Secretariat may consult the International Press Association (API).
If you are refused accreditation on the ground that you are not considered a journalists from a bona fide media, you may appeal of this decision by email to [email protected].
You request must include detailed evidence that you fulfill the criteria exposed above. Your request for review will be examined by the Press office of the General Secretariat of the Council, together with the International Press Association (API). Pending your appeal, the Press office of the General Secretariat of the Council may decide or not to grant you temporary accreditation.
