Journalist accreditation

Accreditation is open to professional journalists working for a news outlet, press photographers and videographers, and freelance journalists who can demonstrate regular activity. Press officers and company representatives fall under a different procedure.

The Organization requires neither a particular nationality nor affiliation with a media outlet from a Member State. The only condition is proof of genuine journalistic activity.

The request includes a press card or equivalent proof, an assignment letter or a certificate from the editorial office, an identity document and, for freelancers, three recent publications. Files are submitted in PDF or image format.

For reporting teams, each member submits their own request. Large audiovisual equipment must be declared so that access can be arranged.

The form asks for the applicant's identity, the media outlet, the event to be covered or the period requested, working languages and any special needs: accessibility, interpretation, camera position. It records the request and immediately returns an acknowledgement of receipt.

A reply is sent within three days. It states the decision, the access conditions and the name of the assigned contact. During the General Assembly period, requests surge: submit them three weeks in advance.

The press badge is collected at the reception desk on presentation of an identity document. It must be worn visibly. It gives access to the press room, open sessions and work areas, excluding closed-door meetings.

Filming and photography are permitted in designated areas. Participants who wish not to be filmed are identified by a sticker; their choice must be respected.

Accreditation may be refused where the supporting documents are insufficient or where capacity has been reached. It may be withdrawn in the event of a breach of an embargo or of the venue's rules. The applicant may respond in writing within fifteen days.

Annual accreditation is renewed each January, on simple confirmation of the information in the file. Accredited journalists receive a reminder one month before expiry.