Journalists, film crews and photographers require accreditation in order to gain free access to EU institution buildings. Accreditation rules apply to all institutions, but the actual procedure depends on the context.

Accreditation can be permanent or issued for traineeships and replacements. Special accreditation may also be required for security reasons (for example, during Council meetings). The application procedure for permanent accreditation varies according to applicant status: media organisations, journalists (staff or freelance), and technical media professionals must meet specific criteria and provide particular documents. Trainees and replacement journalists can obtain provisional accreditation (less than six months).

Access for visiting journalists is limited to Commission, Council or Parliament press room and a specific procedure for accessing each press room must be followed.

Detailed information on accreditation to:

• European Parliament
• European Council
• Council of the EU
• Presidency of the Council of the EU
• European Commission
• Court of Justice