Coverage of European summits will now cost journalists 50 euros

Whether Belgian or other nationalities, accredited journalists in Belgium will be required to pay a fee. 50 € fee if they want to cover the European Summits

The Belgian government has imposed a fee of 50 euros for Belgian and world journalists to cover the European Summits in Brussels. This is what the Council announced on the page of its website dedicated to accreditations. This decision will take effect from the next Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held on 18 October. The decision was not long in provoking an outcry of protests in the Belgian and European media in general.

The Belgian Parliament approved this tax on February 23, but the media were informed of its entry into force on June 1st at the renewal of their biannual accreditations for the European summits. A right is also requested to diplomats and staff of diplomatic representations of member states. It is the current EU Presidency – in this case Austria since 1 June – that will pay the fee for journalists and technicians not based in Belgium and who will come from the Member States to follow the summits in Brussels

Reasons for application

The Belgian Government has introduced this right of 50 euros to cover the costs generated by the security controls imposed for access to "sensitive places" ", which includes the building housing the biannual meetings of leaders of the 28 in Brussels, told AFP the Council of the EU, which represents the Member States and organizes the summits. The tax, like accreditation, will be valid for six months. "Since 1 June 2018, a new Belgian law provides for a 50-euro fee for the employers of any person subject to a security check by the Belgian authorities. This control currently has a validity of 6 months. An invoice will be sent to your employer by the Belgian authorities, "says the website of the Council.

The General Association of Professional Journalists of Belgium (AGJPB) has also called for its removal. "It's a surprise for everyone," said Sophie Lejoly, representative of the AGJPB.