Reporting Brussels offers tips, contacts and helps journalists write EU stories.

Transcription

1 Reporting Brussels offers tips, contacts and helps journalists write EU stories.

2 Your Service (J@YS) is a help centre and information hub for journalists, run by the AGJPB/AVBB (the Belgian Journalists Union), API/IPA (Association de la Presse Internationale/International Press Association), EJC (European Journalism Centre), IFJ (International Federation of Journalists), EFJ (European Federation of Journalists), Residence Palace-International Press Centre, and the local branch of the NUJ (the British and Irish Journalists Union). This guide was produced by J@YS and last updated on 2nd May 2012 Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi 155, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) [email protected] Reporting Brussels was printed with the support of IPC-Residence Palace

3 Welcome to Brussels, welcome to Belgium A huge number of people are involved every day in gathering news about the European or international institutions based in the capital of Europe. Together with Washington, Brussels is one of the world s key centres for media coverage. Summits or meetings between heads of state and government, European Parliament sessions and international meetings covering a huge variety of topics are held in the city all the year round. Brussels is the place where decisions about the future of Europe and of relevance for the entire world are taken. Belgium s geographical position is obviously a major asset, located as it is at the crossroads of Latin, German and Anglo-Saxon influences. Less than three hours by train from Paris, London, Amsterdam and Cologne, our capital is the ideal place for all connections and meetings. Visitors have a high regard for the quality of life to be found in our country. The culinary delights, arts and culture are particularly important in this respect. The top-quality infrastructure available in all areas (logistics, information technology, education, sports, financial services...) serves to enhance the comfort of visitors to Belgium. Nor is it any coincidence that so many expatriates from around the world should decide to settle here permanently once their assignment is finished in Belgium. For over 10 years now, the Residence Palace International Press Centre has been acknowledged as a key venue for members of the international press based in or passing through Brussels. The Residence Palace is a venue for facilitating meetings and exchanges between journalists and representatives of various international institutions and Belgian ones as well. It offers you work areas in a professional and enjoyable environment. Its location, at the heart of Brussels European district, is a definite advantage. Reporting Brussels P.3

4 An ideal professional tool for all journalists, the Reporting Brussels booklet you are holding features all the direct contact information you may require in your profession. Reporting Brussels is designed to lend you support against the background of the key role you are called upon to play within a democratic society. Please feel free to contact our teams, who will be pleased to help you in any way they can. I wish you every success in your work! Elio Di Rupo Prime Minister of Belgium P.4 Reporting Brussels

5 Foreword...6 EU institutions under the Lisbon Treaty...8 European Commission European Parliament Council of the European Union Other EU institutions...62 EU Agencies...67 International Organisations...71 Lobby groups & NGOs...73 Think tanks...77 Information sources Accreditation...82 Taxation...88 Media organisations in Brussels...94 Reporting Brussels P.5

6 Foreword Brussels: European Union focal point and global media centre The Brussels media scene, with the highest number of international media in the world, is changing rapidly. The strategic importance of Brussels, a hub for most of the EU institutions, has grown with the increased number of countries joining the EU and the multiplication of meetings of the major world players. This has in turn enhanced the appeal of Brussels for the world s media. an impact on their national media, the changing nature of the media industry has enabled the numbers of media present in the capital of Europe to remain somewhat stable despite budget constraints faced by most EU media. As one of the first ports of call for journalists arriving in Brussels, the helpdesk Journalists at Your Service has witnessed during its ten years of existence considerable changes in the composition of the Brussels press corps. The correspondents from established traditional media sent to Brussels are now joined by an increasing number of freelancers arriving here in the hope of finding useful material on which to report. If some of the traditional media have had to reduce the number of their correspondents because of the pressures of both economic constraints and the de-territorialisation due to web-based information, an increasing number of new media are now appearing on the Brussels scene, making it as tumultuous as never before. And younger too! Countries which had no or very few journalists reporting from Brussels have now increased many times over the number of media and correspondents present in the capital of Europe, most prominently China. The number of journalists visiting Brussels for brief periods has also increased: more and more of them want to see for themselves how the EU system works. J@YS has been as busy as ever both in providing journalists with information on getting settled in Brussels, finding suitable contacts for their work and even in some cases helping them to find new jobs. P.6 Reporting Brussels

7 In over ten years of activity has organised, together with its members, conferences and round-tables on topics relevant to the media and special briefings to help new arrivals in Brussels. Since 2006, the EJC has helped run the help-desk of with the invaluable contribution of the coordinator Cristina Romero, who has taken care among other things of the revamping of the new website ( a very user-friendly tool detailing what s on for journalists, job offers, journalist prizes and exchanges for the media, opportunities to participate to exciting programmes and visits for journalists. The whole of this booklet is also available on the J@YS website. and Catarina Pinto, who helped revise this guide to make it as up to date as possible, and to Desiree Ketabchi who is now helping as J@YS coordinator. A special thanks goes also to the IPC-Residence Palace for helping with the printing of this guide. Now in its seventh edition, this vest-pocket guide has become the pet tool used by journalists living in Belgium or working from abroad but covering European issues. As a veteran journalist for Italian media, who has also helped establish in 2010 the Press Club Brussels Europe, a new meeting point in Brussels for Belgian and international journalists, I am confident this media guide will be appreciated by many among our colleagues. Maria Laura FRANCIOSI President of Your Service (J@YS) Mobile: +32 (0) Brussels, May 2012 Reporting Brussels P.7

8 EU Institutions under the Lisbon Treaty The Lisbon Treaty, which entered into force on 1st December 2009, has modified the EU s structure. It increased the number of areas where the European Parliament shares decision-making with the Council of the European Union (Member States). It also increased the role of national parliaments by giving them more opportunities to provide a direct input into EU decisionmaking. This is because of a new early-warning system that allows them to comment on draft laws and to check that the so-called subsidiarity principle is respected and that the EU does not legislate on matters that would be better dealt with nationally or locally. The impact of the Lisbon Treaty on the Council of the European Union has led to more extensive use of qualified majority voting in areas where unanimity was previously required. From 2014, decisions in the Council will require the support of 55% of the Member States, representing at least 65% of the European population. To move new policy areas from unanimity to majority voting, every Member State will have to agree and national parliaments will have a right of veto. The role of the European Commission has also been modified by the Lisbon Treaty. The separation of powers among the three main EU institutions has become less rigorous. The Council of the European Union now has EU Commissioner for Trade, Catherine Ashton. She is also Vice President of the European Commission in charge of the foreign policy portfolio of the European Executive and heads a 3,000-strong EU diplomatic service. Under the Lisbon Treaty, the European Council, which is made up of the heads of state and government of the 27 Member states, has elected as its his new job on 1st January 2010 and has been confirmed for a further period of two and a half years in March For further information on the new Lisbon Treaty, see also P.8 Reporting Brussels

9 European Commission Rue de la Loi 200 B-1049 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) The European Council s appointment of the President of the Commission was ratified by the European Parliament. The Parliament re-confirmed José Manuel Barroso as President of the Commission and he chose a college of 27 Commissioners, based on nominees proposed from EU Member States The Commission the EU institution that proposes new legislation oversees the Union s budget of more than 120 billion a year and makes sure that laws are implemented and competition rules applied. It is usually the first port of call for journalists wanting to find out what is happening in the EU. The Commission runs a long-established spokespersons service with a midday briefing every working day in the press room of the Berlaymont building (the Commission s headquarters, Rue de la Loi 200, B-1049 Brussels) for members of the Brussels media corps and other press temporarily in the city. It is responsible for running the Europa web server ( legislative initiatives or decisions to the media and to answer journalists questions. In general, the daily briefing lasts between half an hour and one hour, with a short introduction to the day s offerings from the chief spokesperson and the other spokespeople, followed at times by a series of more technical briefings on specific pieces of legislation. Paper copies of press releases and background material can be found outside the press room. The same material will be available on the Europa website after the midday briefing. News agencies are eager to get the press releases as soon as they come out, so as to be the first to announce the news. Reporting Brussels P.9

10 The press area includes a bar and a workroom for both visiting and resident journalists. It offers phones (local calls are free), workstations and free Wi-Fi internet access. A few PCs are available for visiting journalists. Commission press conferences are held in French and English during the the day the 27 Commissioners meet or on other special occasions such as press conferences by Commissioners. Spokespersons usually reply in the language of the question asked (French or English during the midday briefing). Most questions in the press room are asked in English, but the use of national languages is possible when wider interpretation is available. A high percentage of Commission papers are now drafted in English, but French and German translations are almost immediately available. Accredited journalists to the EU institutions can attend Commission briefings by showing their press pass. Non-accredited or visiting journalists holding a national press card can access the press room by reporting to the Berlaymont reception desk and showing their ID and press card. A day pass will be issued. If in doubt, before arriving at the Commission headquarters, ([email protected]), or telephone the press room team. Press Room + Accreditation Written Press Silvana RIVA Press room BERL-1/PRE6 Tel: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Pier SOLDATI Press Accreditation BERL-1/PRE6 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Monday to Thursday : and Fridays : and It is closed during the first two weeks of August. P.10 Reporting Brussels

11 Journalists based outside Brussels can follow the daily briefing in two ways: 1. Europe by Satellite EbS offers live streaming of the daily briefing for journalists with high-speed internet access and Real Player streaming software. It also covers sessions of the European Parliament and some Council of the European Union press conferences. TV companies can obtain live feeds and stock shots of events from EbS. 2. The web Press releases and background material are posted on the Commission s virtual press room less than an hour after they are distributed. Rapid, the press release search engine covering all EU institutions, is also available via this site. Basic Brussels Ground Rules With so many journalists active in Brussels from different countries and media traditions, it is important that everyone (reporters, spokespeople, politicians, officials, audiovisual media and photographers) understand clearly what is meant by terms, such as on/off the record, background and non-attributable. The following distinctions are used by the European Commission and by other institutions in Brussels. 1. On the record (the name of the speaker can be quoted) 2. Off the record (the speaker must not be quoted and a formula such as EU sources could be used). In the Commission s briefing room, when a spokesperson decides to go off the record by switching on a red light, the coverage of the briefing is suspended for TV and web-watchers. 3. Background (the information can only be used to clarify events and is non attributable) There may also be other ways of going off the record, which are explained to the press as the occasion arises. Bear in mind that when TV and photographers are called to take pictures before the beginning of every meeting, they are asked to switch off any sound recording, in case they might inadvertedly pick up informal conversations between politicians! Reporting Brussels P.11

12 Commissioners and Director-Generals of services allowed to speak to the press on the record for the institution. Civil servants working in the information he or she may provide can usually be used on a background and off-the-record basis. Tip: Commission spokespersons are busy people but on the whole they try to respond to your calls. If a spokesperson does not get back quickly and you have a deadline approaching, do not be afraid to contact their secretary or press officer again. P.12 Reporting Brussels

13 European Commission Spokespersons Service addresses are formed as follows: Telephone number for weekends and outside working hours: +32 (0) Koen DOENS Head of the Spokespersons Service BERL 3/339 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Pia AHRENKILDE HANSEN Spokesperson of the European Commission BERL-3/347 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Leonor RIBEIRO DA SILVA Deputy Spokesperson, Activities of the President BERL 3/353 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Krisztina NAGY Assistant to the Head of Service BERL 3/334 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Mark GRAY Spokesperson, Advisor to the Head of Service BERL 3/319 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) OFFICE OF KOEN DOENS Jonathan ACKE Secretary to the Head of Service BERL 3/336 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Tuuli HUTTUNEN Secretary to the Head of Service BERL 3/336 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Reporting Brussels P.13

14 OFFICE OF PIA AHRENKILDE HANSEN - MIDDAY COORDINATION Delphine RIO Secretary BERL 3/350 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) [email protected] OFFICE OF LEONOR RIBEIRO DA SILVA Kristyna HAMRIKOVA Secretary BERL 3/350 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) [email protected] PLANNING AND COORDINATION SECTOR Ricardo BORGES DE CASTRO Spokesperson BERL 3/320 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) [email protected] Cezary LEWANOWICZ Spokesperson BERL 3/328 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) [email protected] Jens MESTER Spokesperson BERL 3/332 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) [email protected] Simon O CONNOR Spokesperson BERL 3/286 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) [email protected] Melanie DUNN Spokesperson/Speechwriter BERL 2/351 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) [email protected] David HUDSON Spokesperson/Speechwriter BERL 2/350 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) [email protected] P.14 Reporting Brussels

15 Myriam SOCHACKI Spokesperson/Speechwriter BERL 2/347 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Veronika SUMOVA Press Office BERL 3/326 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Dirk VOLCKAERTS Press Officer BERL 3/323 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Maya ANGELOVA Secretary BERL 3/323 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Jenni KINNUNEN Secretary Berl 3/326 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: 32 (0) Silvana RIVA Press Room BERL 1/PRE6 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Pier SOLDATI Press Accreditation BERL 1/PRE6 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Unit 1 Growth and Jobs Olivier BAILLY Head of Unit/Coordinating Spokesperson BERL 2/298 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) [email protected] Franck ARRII Secretary BERL 4/321 Tel:+32 (0) [email protected] Reporting Brussels P.15

16 COMPETITION (VICE-PRESIDENT JOAQUÍN ALMUNIA) Antoine COLOMBANI Spokesperson BERL 4/287 Tel: +32 (0) Marisa GONZÁLEZ IGLESIAS Press Officer BERL 3/292 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) María MADRID Press Officer BERL 3/327 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Olga LESZCZYNSKA-VARGIN Secretary BERL 3/310 Tel: +32 (0) ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS (COMMISSIONER OLLI REHN) Amadeu ALTAFAJ TARDIO Spokesperson BERL 4/333 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Vandna KALIA Press Officer to Amadeu Altafaj TARDIO Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Samantha BUTTERWORTH Secretary BERL 4/329 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) INDUSTRY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (VICE-PRESIDENT ANTONIO TAJANI) Carlo CORAZZA Spokesperson BERL 4/325 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) P.16 Reporting Brussels

17 Sara TIRONI Secretary to Carlo CORAZZA and Michael JENNINGS BERL 4/328 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Inmaculada MARTINEZ GARCIA Secretary to Carlo CORAZZA and Michael JENNINGS BERL 4/313 Tel: +32 (0) INTERNAL MARKET AND SERVICES (COMMISSIONER MICHEL BARNIER) Chantal HUGHES Spokesperson BERL 4/325 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Carmel DUNNE Press Officer BERL 4/329 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Audrey AUGIER Press Officer to Amadeu ALTAFAJ TARDIO and Chantal HUGHES BERL 4/329 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile : +32 (0) [email protected] Nathalie MINSART Secretary BERL 4/329 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] RESEARCH, INNOVATION & SCIENCE (COMMISSIONER MÁIRE GEOGHEGAN-QUINN) Michael JENNINGS Spokesperson BERL 4/316 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: + 32 (0) [email protected] Monika WCISLO Press Officer BERL 4/313 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) [email protected] Reporting Brussels P.17

18 EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND INCLUSION (COMMISSIONER LÁSZLÓ ANDOR) Jonathan TODD Spokesperson BERL 4/307 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Nadège DEFRÈRE Press Officer BERL 4/302 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) TAXATION AND CUSTOMS UNION, AUDIT AND ANTI-FRAUD (COMMISSIONER ALGIRDAS ŠEMETA) Emer TRAYNOR Spokesperson BERL 4/301 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Natasja BOHEZ RUBIANO Press Officer BERL 4/302 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 ( Denise CLAREMBAUX Secretary to Jonathan TODD and Emer TRAYNOR BERL 4/302 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) DIGITAL AGENDA (VICE-PRESIDENT NEELIE KROES) Ryan HEATH Spokesperson BERL 4/291 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Linda CAIN Press Officer BERL 4/295 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) P.18 Reporting Brussels

19 EDUCATION, CULTURE, MULTILINGUALISM AND YOUTH (COMMISSIONER ANDROULLA VASSILIOU) Dennis ABBOTT Spokesperson BERL 4/297 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Dina AVRAAM Press Officer BERL 4/295 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Justyna MILANOWSKA Secretary to Ryan HEATH and Dennis ABBOTT BERL 4/295 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Unit 2 Citizens and Budget Frédéric VINCENT Head of Unit / Coordinating Spokesperson BERL 3/309 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) [email protected] Madalina CHIRIAC Secretary BERL 3/314 Tel: +32 (0) [email protected] Ilse GORDTS Secretary BERL 3/314 Tel: +32 (0) [email protected] Reporting Brussels P.19

20 JUSTICE, FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND CITIZENSHIP (VICE-PRESIDENT VIVIANE REDING) Mina ANDREEVA Spokesperson BERL 4/344 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) HOME AFFAIRS (COMMISSIONER CECILIA MALMSTRÖM) Michele CERCONE Spokesperson BERL 4/338 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Tove ERNST Press Officer BERL 4/342 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Natasha BERTAUD Secretary to Michele CERCONE and Mina ANDREEVA BERL 4/342 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) AGRICULTURAL & RURAL DEVELOPMENT (COMMISSIONER DACIAN CIOLOŞ) Roger WAITE Spokesperson BERL 4/347 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Fanny DABERTRAND Press Officer BERL 4/351 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) P.20 Reporting Brussels

21 MARITIME AFFAIRS & FISHERIES (COMMISSIONER MARIA DAMANAKI) Oliver DREWES Spokesperson BERL 4/353 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Lone MIKKELSEN Press Officer BERL 4/353 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Stéphanie LIARD Secretary to Roger WAITE and Oliver DREWES BERL 4/351 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) HEALTH & CONSUMER POLICY (COMMISSIONER JOHN DALLI) Frédéric VINCENT Spokesperson BERL 3/309 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Aikaterini APOSTOLA Press Officer BERL 3/308 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) REGIONAL POLICY (COMMISSIONER JOHANNES HAHN) Ton VAN LIEROP Spokesperson BERL 3/304 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Annemarie HUBER Press Officer BERL 3/304 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Christina WELLS Secretary to Ton VAN LIEROP and Frederic VINCENT BERL 3/308 Tel: +32 (0) Reporting Brussels P.21

22 INTER-INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION (VICE-PRESIDENT MAROS ŞEFČOVIČ) Antonio GRAVILI Spokesperson BERL 3/292 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Marilyn CARRUTHERS Press Officer BERL 3/295 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Helle MORTENSEN Secretary to Antonio GRAVILI and Patrizio FIORILLI BERL 3/295 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) FINANCIAL PROGRAMMING & BUDGET (COMMISSIONER JANUSZ LEWANDOWSKI) Patrizio FIORILLI Spokesperson BERL 3/301 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Monika SIKORSKA Press Officer BERL 3/295 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Unit 3 Global and Sustainable Europe Alejandro ULZURRUN de ASANZA y MUÑOZ Head of Unit/Coordinating Spokesperson BERL 2/319 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) [email protected] Françoise d ENNETIERES Secretary BERL 2/322 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] P.22 Reporting Brussels

23 FOREIGN AFFAIRS & SECURITY POLICY (VICE-PRESIDENT/HIGH REPRESENTATIVE CATHERINE ASHTON) Michael MANN EEAS Spokesperson BERL 1/322 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Maja KOCIJANCIC Spokesperson BERL 1/328 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Functional mailbox: Sebastien BRABANT Deputy Spokesperson BERL 2/319 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Alexandre POLACK Press Officer BERL 1/319 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Iulia COSTEA Secretary BERL 1/324 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Functional mailbox: Delphine LIEVREMONT Secretary BERL 1/324 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Functional mailbox: Reporting Brussels P.23

24 TRADE (COMMISSIONER KAREL DE GUCHT) John CLANCY Spokesperson BERL 1/355 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Helene BANNER Press Officer BERL 1/352 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) ENLARGEMENT AND EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICY (COMMISSIONER ŠTEFAN FÜLE) Peter STANO Spokesperson BERL 1/346 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Anca PADURARU Press Officer BERL 1/352 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Dominique SAINT JAMES Secretary to John CLANCY and Peter STANO BERL 1/352 Tel: +32 (0) DEVELOPMENT (COMMISSIONER ANDRIS PIEBALGS) Catherine RAY Spokesperson BERL 1/336 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Wojtek TALKO Press Officer BERL 1/337 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) P.24 Reporting Brussels

25 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, HUMANITARIAN AID & CRISIS RESPONSE (COMMISSIONER KRISTALINA GEORGIEVA) David SHARROCK Spokesperson BERL 1/341 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Irina NOVAKOVA Press Officer BERL 1/337 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Larissa DELCOURT Secretary to Catherine RAY and David SHARROCK BERL 1/337 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) ENVIRONMENT (COMMISSIONER JANEZ POTOČNIK) Joe HENNON Spokesperson BERL 2/325 Tel: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Monica WESTEREN Press Officer BERL 2/328 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) CLIMATE ACTION (COMMISSIONER CONNIE HEDEGAARD) Isaac VALERO LADRON Spokesperson BERL 2/330 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Stephanie RHOMBERG Press Officer BERL 2/328 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Reporting Brussels P.25

26 Lorella CORATO Secretary to Joe HENNON and to Isaac VALERO LADRON BERL 2/328 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) ENERGY (COMMISSIONER GÜNTHER OETTINGER) Marlene HOLZNER Spokesperson BERL 2/344 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Nicole BOCKSTALLER Press Officer BERL 2/342 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Katerina RYBAROVA Secretary to Marlene HOLZNER and Helen KEARNS BERL 2/342 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) TRANSPORT (VICE-PRESIDENT SIIM KALLAS) Helen KEARNS Spokesperson BERL 2/335 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) Dale KIDD Press Officer BERL 2/338 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Mobile: +32 (0) P.26 Reporting Brussels

27 European Commission s Audiovisual Service B-1049 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0) , Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Tel: +32 (0) , Fax: +32 (0) EbS News Desk - Tel: +32 (0) , Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Tel: +32 (0) , Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] The Commission runs a virtual media library stocked with audio, video and photo clips: Those wishing to use the site need only to register once. To obtain material, contact: [email protected] [email protected] Reporting Brussels P.27

28 Tip: Remember that each directorate-general (DG) has its own website, information service and newsletter. So if, for example, you are looking for female employment rates in Greece, you should first visit the Commission s employment and social affairs website, then check with the statistical office Eurostat. The European Commission has spokespeople in its national representations in the 27 member states. They can provide an additional perspective on the impact of decisions taken in Brussels on individual countries. Heads and Press Officers of the Representations in EU Countries Union, Willplinger Strasse 35 A-1010 Wien, Österreich Tel: , Fax: [email protected] Représentation de la Commission Européenne en Belgique/ Vertegenwoordiging van de Europese Commissie in België Rue Archimède 73/Archimedesstraat 73 B-1000 Bruxelles/Brussel, Belgique/België Tel: +32 (0) , Fax: +32 (0) Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria, 9 Moskovska St., Tel: , Fax: P.28 Reporting Brussels

29 Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, 30 Byron Avenue, 1096 Nicosia, Cyprus - Tel: , Fax: Representation of the European Commission in the Czech Republic, Tel: , Fax: [email protected] Europa-Kommissionens Repræsentation i Danmark, Gothersgade 115, DK-1123 København K, Danmark - Tel: , Fax: Euroopa Komisjoni Esindus Eestis, Rävala 4, Tallinn, Eesti Tel: Euroopan komission Suomen edustusto/europeiska kommissionens representation i Finland, Pohjoisesplanadi 31/Norra esplanaden 31, Reporting Brussels P.29

30 288, Boulevard Saint-Germain F Paris, France Tel: , Fax: Vertretung der Europäischen Kommission in Deutschland Unter den Linden 78, D Berlin, Germany - Tel: Vertretung der Europäischen Kommission in Bonn Bertha-von-Suttner-Platz 2-4, D Bonn, Germany - Tel: Vertretung der Europäischen Kommission in München Erhardtstraße 27, D München, Deutschland - Tel: Evropaiki Epitropi-Antiprosopeia stin Ellada, 2, Vassilissis Sofias GR Athina, Ellas - Tel: , Fax: P.30 Reporting Brussels

31 Tel: , Fax: European Commission Representation in Ireland Tel: , Fax: Rappresentanza in Italia della Commissione Europea, Via IV Novembre 149, I Roma, Italy - Tel: , Fax: / Rappresentanza a Milano della Commissione Europea, Corso Magenta, 59, I Milano, Italia - Tel: , Fax: Representation of the European Commission in Latvia, Aspazijas street 28, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia - Tel: , Fax: Representation of the European Commission in Lithuania Naugarduko St. 10, LT Vilnius, Lithuania Tel: Fax: Reporting Brussels P.31

32 Représentation de la Commission Européenne au Luxembourg Tel: , Fax : Kummissjoni Ewropea Rapprezentanza F Malta, Dar I-Ewropa, 254 St Paul Street, Valletta VLT 1215, Malta - Tel: Fax: Europese Commissie Vertegenwoordiging in Nederland, Mauritskade 35, Reprezentacja Komisji Europejskiej w Polsce, Ul. Jasna 14/16a, Warszawa, Polska - Tel: Representação da Comissão Europeia em Portugal, Largo Jean Monnet n 1-10, P Lisboa, Portugal - Tel: European Commission in Romania, 31 Vasile Lascar st., sector Bucharest, Romania - Tel: , Fax: P.32 Reporting Brussels

33 Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia, Palisady 29, SK Bratislava, Slovak Republic Tel: , Fax: Representation of the European Commission in Slovenia, Breg 14, Representación de la Comisión Europea en España, Paseo de la Castellana, 46, E Madrid, España - Tel: MARINÉ Representación de la Comisión Europea en Barcelona, Paseo de Gracia, 90, 1, E Barcelona, España - Tel: Europeiska Kommissionen Representationen i, Sverige, Regeringsgatan 65, Representation of the European Commission in the United Kingdom, United Kingdom - Tel: Reporting Brussels P.33

34 Representation of the European Commission in Wales, 2 Caspian Point, Caspian Way, Cardiff CF10 4QQ, United Kingdom - Tel: Representation of the European Commission in Scotland, 9 Alva Street, Representation of the European Commission in Northern Ireland, Tel: P.34 Reporting Brussels

35 European Parliament Rue Wiertz, 60B-1047 Brussels Tel. +32 (0) Entrance on Rue Vautier - Tel: +32 (0) Avenue du Président Robert Schuman, 1, CS F Strasbourg Cedex, France Tel. +33 (0) Fax: +33 (0) Luxembourg - Tel: +352 (0) Hotline-Newsdesk news reports or programmes about Europe. Tel: +32 (0) [email protected] The European Parliament is the most accessible of the EU s main institutions. Most of its meetings are held in public and MEPs are usually happy to speak on the record to reporters. The European Parliament has well-equipped press rooms in Brussels and Strasbourg that visiting reporters can also use. The bulk of its plenary meetings are held in Strasbourg, which, because of the of plenary sessions and press conferences on EbS have made the task of reporting on the Parliament easier. Reporting Brussels P.35

36 The creation of its own television channels ( is designed to increase information and communication about the Parliament s activities. While journalists organisations have welcomed efforts to increase the information available, they have also raised concerns that the Parliament has now begun producing ready-made programmes in competition independence. The Parliament has no daily briefing, but it organises a pre-session press conference in its Brussels building at on the Friday before the monthly meetings in Strasbourg. A last-minute press briefing is held in Strasbourg at half an hour before the start of the sitting on the Monday of each session week. A full list of MEPs and the committees on which they sit on can be found on the Parliament s website: Journalists should know that MEPs are their own best spokespeople. Some are highly knowledgeable, most are able to speak in sound bites, and all excellent sources to explain the details of legislation being discussed or its background. For big picture issues, contact the spokesperson of the Parliament president, committee. P.36 Reporting Brussels

37 EP PRESIDENT S PRESS OFFICE Armin MACHMER President s Spokesperson Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: [email protected] Michael BERGIUS Deputy Spokesperson M: +32 (0) [email protected] Richard FREEDMAN Press Officer for the President Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] EP PRESS SERVICE Jaume DUCH GUILLOT - Director for the Media and European Parliament Spokesperson Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Marjory VAN DEN BROEKE Head of Press Room Unit, European Parliament Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Ioannis DARMIS Head of the Media Services and Monitoring Unit Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Fernando CARBAJO Head of the Audiovisual Unit Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Reporting Brussels P.37

38 Tip: If you know the name of the person to contact, you can simply write an using this address format: Or you can ring one of their helpful assistants and try to make the contact through them. EP POLITICAL GROUPS PRESS SERVICE European People s Party (EPP) - Robert FITZHENRY Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: + 32 (0) Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats (S&D) - Utta TUTTLIES Tel: +32(0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) - Neil CORLETT Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Fax: +33 (0) The Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA) - Steven CORNELIUS Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) European United Left/Nordic Green Left (EUL/NGL) - Gianfranco BATTISTINI Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) P.38 Reporting Brussels

39 European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) - James HOLTUM Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Europe of Freedom and Democracy (EFD) - Hermann KELLY Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) language. PLENARY PRESS OFFICERS Coordinator: Janez VOUK Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] BULGARIAN SECTOR: Dolchin CHOLAKOV Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) [email protected] CZECH SECTOR: Vaclav LEBEDA Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] DANISH SECTOR: Rikke ULDALL Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Fax: +33 (0) [email protected] Reporting Brussels P.39

40 DUTCH SECTOR: Sanne DE RYCK Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Fax: +33 (0) ENGLISH SECTOR: Mary BRAZIER Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) ESTONIAN SECTOR: FINNISH SECTOR: Satu HELIN Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) FRENCH SECTOR: Fabienne GUTMANN-VORMUS Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Fax: +33 (0) GERMAN SECTOR: Ayla Sultan CICEK Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) GREEK SECTOR: Kristina-Antigoni ELEFTERIE Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Fax: +33 (0) HUNGARIAN SECTOR: ITALIAN SECTOR: Federico DE GIROLAMO Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Fax: +33 (0) P.40 Reporting Brussels

41 LATVIAN SECTOR: Agnese KRIVADE Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) LITHUANIAN SECTOR: MALTESE SECTOR: Corinne CORDINA Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Fax: +33 (0) POLISH SECTOR: Dorota KOLINSKA Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) PORTUGUESE SECTOR: ROMANIAN SECTOR: SLOVAKIAN SECTOR: Zuzana REPKOVA-ANDREJCAKOVA Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Fax: +33 (0) SLOVENE SECTOR: Janez VOUK Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Fax: +33 (0) SPANISH SECTOR: Natalia DASILVA Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Fax: +33 (0) Reporting Brussels P.41

42 SWEDISH SECTOR: A full list of the European Parliament press officers with responsibility EP COMMITTEE PRESS Press Unit Coordinator - Andreas KLEINER Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] FOREIGN AFFAIRS (AFET) and SECURITY AND DEFENCE (SEDE) Mary BRAZIER (Team Coordinator) Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS (AFCO) and LEGAL AFFAIRS (JURI) - Federico DE GIROLAMO Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) AGRICULTURE (AGRI) and FISHERIES (PECH) - Jan JAKUBOV Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT (REGI) and AGRICULTURE (AGRI) - Vaclav LEBEDA Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) BUDGETS (BUDG), BUDGETARY CONTROL (CONT) and POLICY CHALLENGES COMMITTEE (SURE) - Ron KORVER (Team Coordinator) Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) P.42 Reporting Brussels

43 INTERNAL MARKET AND COMSUMER PROTECTION (IMCO), COMMITTEE ON THE FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CRISIS (CRIS) - Rikke ULDALL Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS (ECON) - Dorota KOLINSKA Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] John SCHRANZ Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] CULTURE AND EDUCATION (CULT) - Cornelia GUSA Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) [email protected] DEVELOPMENT (DEVE) and INTERNATIONAL TRADE (INTA) - Agnese KRIVADE Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] HUMAN RIGHTS (DROI) - Satu HELIN Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS (EMPL, ITRE) - Nora CHAAL Tel :+32 (0) Tel :+33 (0) M:+32 (0) [email protected] INDUSTRY, RESEARCH AND ENERGY (ITRE) - Kristina ELEFTERIE Tel :+32 (0) Tel : +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY (ENVI) Christopher COAKLEY (Team Coordinator) Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Reporting Brussels P.43

44 WOMEN S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY (FEMM) - Ayla Sultan ÇIÇEK Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] INTERNAL MARKET AND CONSUMER PROTECTION (IMCO) - Rikke ULDALL Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS (LIBE) and PETITIONS (PETI) Natalia DA SILVA Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT (REGI) and TRANSPORT AND TOURISM (TRAN) Michaela FINDEIS (Team Coordinator) Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) Seminars, Enlargement Countries - Michel PLUMLEY Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] EP Press Publications: The Parliament s press division produces a number of publications journalists may language sectors or by visiting on the Parliament s website. Published during the week before the plenary session, this summarises reports and other items on the agenda. Reports on debates and votes as they take place during plenary sessions. A newsletter that reviews the plenary debates and votes after the session has ended. P.44 Reporting Brussels

45 A daily news bulletin on meetings of parliamentary committees and public hearings. Published every Friday, this news sheet lists the upcoming week s parliamentary activities, such as committee meetings, press conferences, and hearings. This occasional publication provides detailed information about specific topics. every EU capital, as well as some other major cities and candidate countries. These are often a first port of call for journalists operating outside Brussels. EP Information Offices in EU Countries information about Parliament and help them in their contacts with the institution. Co-ordinator - Paula FERNANDEZ-HERVAS Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +33(0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Tel: Fax: Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: Reporting Brussels P.45

46 Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: epkobenhavn@europarl Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: F Strasbourg Cedex Tel: Fax: [email protected] Tel: Fax: [email protected] Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: [email protected] Tel Fax: P.46 Reporting Brussels

47 Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: [email protected] Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: epdenhaag@europarl ul. Jasna 14/16 a, Warsaw Tel: Fax: epwarszawa@europarl Reporting Brussels P.47

48 Largo Jean Monnet 1-6, P Lisbon Tel: Fax: eplisboa@europarl Tel: Fax: epbucarest@europarl parlamentu, Palisády 29, SK Bratislava Tel: Fax: epbratislava@europarl Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: [email protected] Tel: Fax: [email protected] Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: Fax: (Library) - Fax: (Press) Tel: Fax: [email protected] P.48 Reporting Brussels

49 Council of the European Union Justus Lipsius building Rue de la Loi 175 B-1048 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) The Council of the European Union, often seen as the most powerful of the Union s three major institutions, brings together the governments of the 27 EU Member States. It s not to be confused with the European Council - see below - or with the Council of Europe, which is an international organisation entirely separated from the European Union. Note: The Council of the European Union, also known as the Council or Council of Ministers, meets in Brussels most of the year. However, due to a legal obligation enshrined in the EU treaties, all ministerial meetings in April, June and October are held in Luxembourg. European Council The European Council (which is composed of the heads of state or government of the European Union and the president of the Commission) is the driving force behind the European Union, setting its course and its political priorities. The Lisbon Treaty turned the European Council into an institution in its own right. In addition, it created the position of President of the European Council, nominated for two-and-a-half years, with the possibility of renewing his/her nomination for another similar term to a maximum of five years. The main tasks of the President of the European Council are to prepare, chair and lead its meetings, to make sure that decisions are subsequently put into practice and to represent the European Union abroad at his level. At present, the president Reporting Brussels P.49

50 renewed by the European Council for a further two and a half year period. Spokesperson for President Van Rompuy: Dirk De BACKER Tel: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] The European Council meets at least 4 times a year, in Brussels. In practice, it has tended in recent years to meet more frequently than that, sometimes in informal or extraordinary meetings. Tip: Special accreditation is necessary for journalists wanting to cover these European Council sessions. Details can be found on the website of the rotating six month presidency. The URL is initials of the country e.g. Summits with third countries (e.g. EU-Russia, EU-US, EU-China, etc.) are also held in the Council/European Council building when they take place in Europe. Council of the European Union Media contact with the Council occurs mainly on the occasion of ministerial meetings: background briefings and documents are provided before these meetings, flash press releases and Council conclusions are issued during them, and they are followed by a press conference. Council preparations, which occur notably in the weekly meetings of Coreper 2, the forum for national permanent representatives or Coreper 1 for their although briefings are always given before a ministerial meeting, and technical or thematic background briefings are also frequently scheduled. P.50 Reporting Brussels

51 The pre-council briefings are usually given by the six-monthly rotating Council presidency supported by the Council Secretariat. The spokespersons for the presidency are also important contacts. Rotating presidencies The presidency of the Council changes twice a year: on 1st January and 1st July. During its six-month term, the presidency chairs Council meetings in all configurations except for the Foreign Affairs Council, which is chaired by the policy. Informal ministerial meetings are held in the country holding the presidency, providing an opportunity for reporters based outside Brussels and notably in the country of the presidency to report on European issues. The next presidencies are: Denmark January-June 2012 Cyprus July-December 2012 Ireland January-June 2013 Greece January-June 2014 Italy July-December 2014 Malta January-June 2017 Estonia January-June 2018 Bulgaria July-December 2018 Austria January-June 2019 Romania July-December 2019 Reporting Brussels P.51

52 National Permanent representations also organise meetings for their country s can be contacted for information about the respective national positions. Council Press Office As a one-stop-shop for finding out what is happening in the Council, its press supports the European Council and its President. Council policy areas, such as environment or foreign affairs. It is also in charge of the Council press centre and runs an audiovisual sector. Press conferences and public events in the Council can be followed by video streaming: Video coverage of Council/European Council events is available for preview and download in broadcast quality (MPEG4) on: Central Press Office secretariat: Celine MONIN Tel. +32 (0) Fax +32 (0) [email protected] Philippe CRAPANZANO Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Head of the Press Office: Nicolas KERLEROUX Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] P.52 Reporting Brussels

53 Support to the European Council President: Deputy Spokesperson: Jesús CARMONA Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) Secretary : Carla VALTORTA Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Secretariat: Tel: +32 (0) [email protected] Council Press Officers Economic and Financial Affairs, General Affairs: François HEAD Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Economic and Financial Affairs; General Affairs; Summits: Azadeh SHARAFSHAHI Tel. +32 (0) M +32 (0) [email protected] Justice and Home Affairs and Counter-terrorism: Jochen MÜLLER Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation : Susanne KIEFER Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Agriculture and Fisheries: Xavier PAVARD Tel. +32 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Competitiveness (Industry, Research and Internal Market) : Víctor FLAVIAN Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Reporting Brussels P.53

54 TTE (Transport, Telecommunications, Energy) Telecommunications and Energy: Miriam VANČOVÁ Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) TTE (Transport, Telecommunications, Energy) - Transport: Reinhard SCHMIDT Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Budget; Health and Consumer Affairs: Jérôme UNTERHUBER Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Employment, Social Policy : Evi LIASKOU Tel. +32 (0) M +32 (0) [email protected] Education, Youth, Culture and Sport: Helena GOMES Tel. +32 (0) M +32 (0) [email protected] Justice; Environment: Joaquín NOGUEROLES Tel. +32 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Crisis management mechanisms; Coordination of the public sessions of the Council; Videostreaming; Social media: Dana MANESCU Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Media Strategy and Policy - Virginie BATTU Tel: +32 (0) M +32 (0) [email protected] Management, Projects - Zoltan SZELES Tel: +32 (0) [email protected] P.54 Reporting Brussels

55 Audiovisual counsellor: Isabelle BRUSSELMANS Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) Producer: Andrea DESORMEAUX Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) Press centre Coreper II Councils / European Council: Margarete GILOT-KÖHLER Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Coreper I Councils /Photo Department/European Council: Valerie GOLDSMITH Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Tip: Members of the Council press office speak on condition of anonymity. They are usually quoted as EU sources or EU officials, but not as Council press officers or by their name. Before each Council meeting, the press service produces a background briefing that is available on the web in English and French. At the end of the meeting, the provisional conclusions are also posted on the internet. Reporting Brussels P.55

56 Press officers at Permanent Representations Avenue de Cortenberg 30, B-1040 Brussels Alexander PAIER - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Rue de la Loi 61-63, B-1040, Brussels Andrzej BIELECKI - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Sq. Marie-Louise 49, Brussels 1000 Victoria MELAMED - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Avenue de Cortenberg 61, B-1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Tel: +32(0) [email protected] Rue Caroly 15, B-1050 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax +32 (0) P.56 Reporting Brussels

57 Rue d Arlon 73, B-1040 Brussels Preben AAMANN (Coreper II) - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Jakob ALVI (Coreper I) - Mobile: +32 (0) Rue Guimard 11/13, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax +32 (0) Rue de Trèves 100, B-1040 Brussel Jussi SEPPÄLÄ - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Place de Louvain 14, B-1000 Brussels Gael VEYSSIERE - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) /77 - Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Myriam SAINT-PIERRE - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Rue Jacques de Lalaing 8/14, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Tel: +32 (0) Reporting Brussels P.57

58 Avenue des Arts 39, 1040 Brussels Konstantinos PAPPAS - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Rue de Trèves 92-98, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Rue Froissart 50, B-1040 Brussels Deirdre FARRELL - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Rue du Marteau 7-15, B-1000 Brussels Michelangelo NERINI - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Avenue des Arts 23, B-1000 Brussels Inga SARSUNE - Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Rue Belliard 41/43, B-1040 Brussels Vykintas PUGACIAUSKAS - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) mfa.lt P.58 Reporting Brussels

59 Avenue de Cortenberg 75, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Tel: +352 (0) Rue Archimède 25, B-1000 Brussels Anis CASSAR - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Avenue de Tervuren 282/284, B-1150 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Avenue de Cortenbergh 12, 1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Rue Montoyer 12, B-1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Avenue de Cortenberg 79, B-1000 Brussels Dagmar SULEJMANI - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Reporting Brussels P.59

60 Rue du Commerce 44, 1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Boulevard du Régent 52, B-1000 Brussels Ana de Miguel LANGA - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Square de Meeûs 30, B-1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Martina SMEDBERG - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Avenue d Auderghem 10, B-1040 Brussels Aled WILLIAMS Tel: +32(0) Fax: +32(0) [email protected] Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Nicola KELLY - Mobile: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) P.60 Reporting Brussels

61 European External Action Service (EEAS) 1046 Brussels - Belgium Tel: The European External Action Service (EEAS) is a unique European Union department established following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon on 1st December It was formally launched on 1st December 2010 and serves as a foreign ministry and diplomatic corps for the EU. It is under the The EEAS manages the EU s response to crises, has intelligence capabilities and cooperates with the Commission in areas with which it shares competence. implement policy, it does not make policy as that is left to the Foreign Affairs The EEAS, formed by a merger of the external relation departments of the Council and of the European Commission, is unique and independent from other EU institutions, sits outside those institutions and has its own independent budget. To contact the EEAS Michael MANN EEAS Spokesperson BERL 1/322 Tel: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Maja KOCIJANCIC Deputy Spokesperson BERL 1/328 Tel: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Functional mailbox: [email protected] Reporting Brussels P.61

62 Sebastien BRABANT Deputy Spokesperson BERL 2/319 Tel: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Functional mailbox: Iulia COSTEA Assistant BERL 1/324 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Functional mailbox: Delphine LIEVREMONT Assistant BERL 1/324 Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Functional mailbox: Other EU institutions Apart from the European Parliament, Commission and Council of the European Union, there are several other institutions, some based outside Brussels, which provide news for journalists. The Court of Justice, in particular, is a treasure-trove of good stories for reporters willing to invest their time and energy in covering the EU s Supreme Court. It is located in Luxembourg. Its multilingual press service is very helpful and ready to explain subtle legal issues to clarify the meaning of rulings. The European Central Bank has also become increasingly relevant since the introduction of the euro, the single currency at present shared by 17 EU member states. Its headquarters are in Frankfurt. P.62 Reporting Brussels

63 European Central Bank Eurotower - Kaiserstrasse 29, D Frankfurt am Main, Germany Tel: Director of Communication: Elisabeth [email protected], Tel: [email protected] Court of Justice of the European Union Palais de la Cour de Justice - Boulevard Konrad Adenauer Kirchberg, L-2925 Luxembourg - Tel: If journalists wish to attend a hearing or the delivery of a judgement, they must obtain prior accreditation: Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: Gitte STADLER Tel: /2981 Fax: Tel: /3645 Fax: Tel: / 2180 (Greece and Cyprus) /3552 (Italy) - Fax: Reporting Brussels P.63

64 Tel: / 3366 Fax: Tel: / 3442 Fax: Tel: / 2878 Fax: Tel: / 3668 Fax: Tel: Fax: Tel: Fax: European Court of Auditors 12 Rue Alcide De Gasperi, L-1615 Luxembourg Tel: Aidas PALUNBISKAS - M: [email protected] European Economic and Social Committee Rue Belliard 99, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32(0) Tel: +32 (0) Secretariat: Fax: [email protected] P.64 Reporting Brussels

65 Committee of the Regions Bâtiment Jacques Delors - Rue Belliard B-1040 Brussels Belgium Tel+32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] European Investment Bank 100, Boulevard Konrad Adenauer - L-2950 Luxembourg Tel: Tel: Tel: [email protected] Tel: Tel: Tel: Fax: Reporting Brussels P.65

66 European Ombudsman 1 Avenue du Président Robert Schuman - B.P. 403 FR Strasbourg Cedex Tel: Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) Rue Joseph II, 30 B-1049 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Eurostat, Statistical Office of the EU Bâtiment Jean Monnet, L-2920 Luxembourg, Luxembourg Tel: Tel: +352 (0) Fax: +352 (0) [email protected] Tel: +352 (0) Fax: +352 (0) [email protected] Tel: +352 (0) [email protected] P.66 Reporting Brussels

67 EU Agencies Here below are the most important EU agencies. The whole list can be found on Bâtiment Nouvel hémicycle, 1 rue du Fort Thüngen, L-1499 Luxembourg Tel: Fax: Europe 123, GR Thessaloniki (Pylea), Greece Tel: Fax: [email protected] Boulevard Maréchal Foch 3, ANGERS CEDEX 02, France Egnatia 4, Thessaloniki 54626, Greece Tomtebodavägen 11a, Solna, Sweden Tel: Fax: Reporting Brussels P.67

68 Rue des Drapiers 17-23, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 (0) Kongens Nytorv 6, 1050 Copenhagen K, Denmark Tel: Fax: Via Carlo Magno 1A, Parma- Italy Tel: Fax: Švitrigailos g. 11M, LT Vilnius, Lithuania Cais do Sodré Lisbon, Portugal Tel: Fax: P.68 Reporting Brussels

69 Tel: Tel: Fax: Ulf BERGSTRÖM - M: Tel: , Rue Marc Lefranq Valenciennes, France Tel: Fax: Villa Gualino, Viale Settimio Severo 65, I Torino, Italy Gran Via 33, E Bilbao, Spain Tel: Fax: [email protected] In Brussels: Square de Meeûs 38/40, 1000 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Reporting Brussels P.69

70 Wayttville Road, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18, Ireland Tel: Fax: [email protected] Avenue d Auderghem 20, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Tel: [email protected] Soren Kragh PEDERSEN - Tel: Schwarzenbergplatz 11, AT-1040 Vienna, Austria Tel: Fax: of the European Union Tel. (48 22) Fax. (48 22) (Trade Marks and Designs) Avenida de Europa 4, E Alicante, Spain Tel: Fax: [email protected] P.70 Reporting Brussels

71 International organisations Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] Press contact - Josephine LATU - Tel: +32 (0) Press contact - Andrew CUTTING Tel: +32 (0) Fax [email protected] Avenue de l Europe, F Strasbourg Cedex, France Tel: +33 (0) Fax: +33 (0) Tel: +33(0) [email protected] Tel: +33 (0) European Court of Human Rights Council of Europe, F Strasbourg Cedex, France Tel: +33 (0) Fax: +33(0) ww.echr.coe.int Rue Joseph II, 12/16, B-1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) [email protected] Reporting Brussels P.71

72 Tel: +31 (0) , 5343, Fax: +31 (0) Tel: +31(0) Blvd Leopold III, B-1110 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC Brussels) - Rue de la Loi 155, Block C2, 1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) UN Information Centre for the Benelux Countries and the EU Rue Montoyer 14, B-1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] P.72 Reporting Brussels

73 Lobby groups & NGOs Lobby groups It can seem at times that almost everyone in Brussels is lobbying for or against something. The lobbying industry is one of the city s fastest growing sectors, with a virtual explosion of lobbying and consultancy firms with an estimated 15,000 lobbyists. Besides hosting receptions for EU professionals, the bigger lobbying companies sponsor many of the public debates and exhibitions communications should always be checked against other sources. A full list of lobby firms and political consultancies can be found in the European Public Affairs Directory (available from and in the EU stakeholder directory ( Avenue Louise 350, B-1050 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0) Avenue de Cortenbergh, 168, B-1000 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0) [email protected] Senior adviser - Peter VERTESSY Tel: +32(0) Rue de Trèves, 61, B-1040 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0) [email protected] Reporting Brussels P.73

74 53 Avenue des Arts, B-1000 Brussels Tel: 32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Press and Communications manager - Eva BÖCKLE Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Eurochambres Rue des Nerviens 85, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) M: +32 (0) [email protected] Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 6, B-1160 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0) [email protected] Press relations Manager - James PIEPER Rue de la Fusée 96, B-1130 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] [email protected] Lucia PASQUINI P.74 Reporting Brussels

75 Rue D Arlon 80, B1040 Brussels, Tel: +32 (0) Media Contact - Philip SPRINGUEL [email protected] Boulevard du Roi Albert II 5, B-1210 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) [email protected] Boulevard du Roi Albert II, 5 box 4, B-1210 Brussels Tel: + 32(0) Fax: + 32(0) [email protected] [email protected] Tel: +32 (0) Fax +32 (0) [email protected] Reporting Brussels P.75

76 NGOs A selection can be found below: Tel: +32 (0) Human Rights Watch Avenue des Gaulois, 7, B-1040 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0) Square de Meeûs 18, B-1050 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Greenpeace EU Rue Belliard 199, B-1040 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0) Mundo-b Building, Rue d Edimbourg 26, B-1050 Brussels Tel: + 32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Avenue de Tervuren 168, 3rd floor, 1150 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0) Rue des Quatre-Vents, 60, 1080 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) P.76 Reporting Brussels

77 Think Tanks and Britain, think tanks have expanded in number over recent years. They can be a godsend to EU journalists, because their policy experts really do know their stuff. But a word of caution: many Brussels-based ones are funded by the Rue de la Charité Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Place du Congrès 1, B-1000 Brussels, Media enquiries : Marco INCERTI - M: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Tel : +32 (0) Great College Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3RX, UK Tel: Fax: Reporting Brussels P.77

78 Rue de Luxembourg 23, Bte 1, B-1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi 155, B-1040 Brussels Andrew WILLIAMS - Tel : +32 (0) Bibliothèque Solvay, Parc Léopold, Rue Belliard 137, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi 155 Westraat, B-1040 Brussels. Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) P.78 Reporting Brussels

79 International Press Centre, Residence Palace, Block C, 155 Rue de la Loi B-1040 Brussels. Tel +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Rue de Milan, Paris, France Information Sources - Brussels-based media: ( ( Reporting Brussels P.79

80 ( ( ( Web-based information sources P.80 Reporting Brussels

81 European wide news Channels Euronews ( is the only pan-european news station regularly broadcasting news reports and features about the EU. Its halfhourly news bulletin has comprehensive coverage of European affairs and was completely renewed in mid It is managed by some of the main European public broadcasting TV authorities and receives European Commission funding. Its headquarters are in Lyon, France, but last year an Europe by Satellite ec.europa.eu/avservices/ebs Covers all main European Union events, daily briefings and provides audiovisual material for media. The European Parliament has a TV channel and the main political groups have also their own, making four in total. Reporting Brussels P.81

82 ACCREDITATION Accreditation to the EU Journalists who want regular access to the EU institutions need to be accredited by the relevant service. The Commission and Parliament generally demand a letter of accreditation from the chief editor in the headquarters photocopies of identification documents and your national press card. Freelancers should obtain a letter specifying that they collaborate, even if only occasionally, with specific media. Occasional visitors Journalists who work in Brussels for a short time only, or only visit the EU institutions occasionally, can access the Commission press room by contacting the press room team by fax: +32 (0) or by [email protected] If possible, 24 hours notice is required. Appointments may be made to see Commission spokespersons. Permanent accreditation The European Commission issues an inter-institutional accreditation card for Directorate-General (DG) Press and the press room of the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament. The card is valid for one year and is renewable. This provides access to the press areas of the three institutions and their restaurants, with more freedom to move around the European Parliament both in Brussels and Strasbourg. It also allows the press to enter other EU bodies such as the EESC and CoR. Contact Pier at the accreditation desk at the European Commission. Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] P.82 Reporting Brussels

83 Even if you ask the Commission for a common accreditation to the three institutions, you are advised to give your address to both the Parliament and the Council, in order to receive press releases. European Parliament For accreditation to the European Parliament only or for temporary accreditation, Tel: +32 (0) , address: Rue Wiertz, B-1047 Brussels. Council of the European Union The Council of the EU admits journalists accredited to the other EU institutions only to the press area and the restaurant. To gain access to other areas one must be accompanied by a member of staff. Journalists who are not accredited should send a request by fax: +32 (0) or by [email protected] to the Council Press Centre, with copies of the Reporting Brussels P.83

84 Presidency and Summits Journalists requiring access to a European Council Summit and informal meetings arranged by the EU Presidency must be accredited directly with the EU Presidency Accreditation Service. For accreditation to European Council Summits held in Brussels you will have to consult the rotating presidency website and fill online forms with your details and those of your media. A special pass for each summit will be then issued which journalists must collect personally. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) Contact the Press Service Tel: +32 (0) [email protected] Address: Boulevard Léopold III, B-1110 Brussels. Documents needed for permanent accreditation: and two passport photographs P.84 Reporting Brussels

85 Accreditation to Belgian authorities several months. The accreditation document allows entry into all Belgian institutions. Contact the Press Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange an appointment with: Frida or Veerle VAN BEVEREN Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) [email protected] [email protected] Address: Rue des Petits Carmes 15, B-1000 Brussels The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a mailing list. You can register at: to Belgium The temporary press pass is generally valid for six months. It can be renewed when you have applied for registration in your commune (the Belgian local authority) and for a permanent press card at API/IPA, the Association de la Presse Internationale/International Press Association. The permanent press card valid for five years is issued by API/IPA, the International Press Association. Contact Martine from to 13.00, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Please call for an appointment. Rue de la Loi 155, B-1040 Brussels, [email protected]. Reporting Brussels P.85

86 Documents needed pointed as a correspondent in Belgium and a document proving that you have been working as a journalist for at least two years (for freelancers, proof of remuneration in the last two years must be produced). passport quired a specific coupon for Belgian railways (SNCB/NMBS) can travel free in second class on SNCB/NMBS lines within Belgium, and enjoy reductions or free travel on buses and tramways of De Lijn and TEC. No reductions are provided for journalists on international trains such as Thalys, Eurostar, ICE, etc. on Brussels Airlines flights. Belgium. P.86 Reporting Brussels

87 Press Club Brussels Europe Card All journalists in Brussels can have access to the Press Club Brussels Europe, a new facility for journalists launched with the support of the Brussels Capital Region. The Press Club Brussels Europe is located in the European Quarter at 95 Rue Froissart, 1040 Brussels, and offers journalists a lounge area and space for meetings and debates ( Membership is open to journalists of all nationalities working in Brussels for international or Belgian media and to foreign journalists temporarily visiting the city. The Press Club Brussels Europe is a member of the World Press Club Federation. International Press Card The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) issues an international press useful in many countries, it does not normally give any added benefits to journalists working in Belgium. Accreditation refused? If you are refused journalist accreditation, which is fairly rare, contact API/ IPA in Brussels for assistance. In general, objections tend to come from the Belgian authorities. The Commission might object only if it has doubts about the media you work for or, more commonly, believes that you do not require regular access to the institution either because you do not live in Belgium or only enter it infrequently. Another reason for refusing accreditation might be the fact that the special committee in charge of vetting requests believes that the applicant is more a lobbyist than a journalist. In such circumstances, bona fide journalists can still access the press facilities by signing a visitor s register at reception and presenting a press card and/or passport. API/IPA is trying to make sure the same criteria are applied at both the European and Belgian levels. Its representatives are involved in the accreditation procedure. Reporting Brussels P.87

88 Taxation Basic principles Foreign journalists should be aware of a certain number of basic principles as far as taxes are concerned. this activity is performed. 1. An employment contract The duration of the activity in the country and the location of the salary charge should be contemplated: 2. A freelance activity If the journalist performs a freelance activity, his income will be taxable in the country where he has a fixed base from where he is working and the extent that this activity is performed through this fixed base. Foreign journalists employed by a foreign news organisation may benefit from a special tax regime known as the expatriate status. Please note that this regime is not available to freelance journalists and press correspondents. Expatriate status Companies eligible In order to benefit from this special tax regime, the employer must: P.88 Reporting Brussels

89 Journalists eligible Journalists who can apply for this special tax regime are those who: responsibilities Journalists must also prove that they have maintained in their home country the centre of their economic interest. If they have moved with their family, Belgium will be considered their economic centre, thus they will not be eligible. Tax Benefits of the Expatriate Status During their stay in Belgium, journalists who can benefit from this special system are considered as non-resident, which implies that they are only taxable on their Belgian source of income and not on the remuneration relating to activities exercised outside Belgium. In order to calculate this travel exclusion, certain rules apply, such as one that says that the day of departure does not be counted! The employee will have to bring evidence of the real number of days spent outside Belgium and of the business character of these days. The travel exclusion percentage is the result of the number of working days spent abroad, divided by the total number of working days. The total number of working days will be equal to 365 days, minus some 105 Saturdays and Sundays, minus 10 Belgian bank holidays, thus more or less 230 days on a yearly basis. Reporting Brussels P.89

90 Consequently under this special tax regime, the taxable basis will be as follows: gross salary, minus social security contributions paid in Belgium or in the country of origin minus tax-free allowances up to a maximum of 11,155 EUR = reduced taxable basis. Deduct the travel exclusion percentage on the basis, normal Belgian tax rates apply. Journalists are also entitled to receive non-taxable allowances which are deemed to cover the difference in cost-of-living, housing costs and tax equalisation between Belgium and their home country. Procedure employee, and an application has to be prepared. ning of the activities in Belgium, to the Tax Inspector for non-residents: Bureau Central de taxation Bruxelles Etranger, North Galaxy Tour B 7e étage - Boulevard du Roi Albert II 33/32, 1030 Bruxelles Tel: +32 (0) [email protected] If the application is made after this due date, the journalist will perhaps get the expatriate status, but only as from the year which will follow the request. qualifies and that the employees fulfil the requested conditions (see above). and an estimate of the travel exclusion. It must thus show that the benefit of the system goes to the employer. after several months by registered post to the employer. P.90 Reporting Brussels

91 resident tax form each year. yearly salary earned. Special tax status for freelancers working in Belgium For incomes from author s rights up to 53,020 EUR, 15% will be taxable. is thus free from any tax. The other half of this amount is taxed at 15%. The portion between 14,140 and 28,280 EUR has a 25% deduction for agreed costs, meaning that 75 % of this portion will be taxed at 15%. The remainder, between 28,280 and 53,020 EUR, has no agreed costs rate, thus it will be taxed at 15%. For incomes above 53,020 EUR, the income will be taxed as a normal professional income with tax rates between 25 and 50%. The dilemma: if you receive 1,000 EUR from a publisher for an article you wrote, how much of it should be considered a fee for your work and how much can be deemed a payment for your author s rights (and thus favourably taxed)? Belgian publishers saw this change as a great opportunity for writers and told their freelancers that the entire fee would be paid as author s rights, beginning in The law states that the organisation that pays the author s rights has to withdraw the 15% automatically and directly pay the Belgian tax authorities. Before the publication of the tax form 2012 (income of 2011), authors don t even have to mention that income ( roerend inkomen in Dutch, revenus mobiliers in French) on their tax form, as it has already been taxed Reporting Brussels P.91

92 at the source. From the tax form 2013 (income of 2012) onwards, authors will have to mention their income from author s rights on their tax form since it will not have been taxed at the source. Since 2009, several Belgian publishers have deducted 15% from the entire payment owed to their freelancers, ultimately a considerable increase in the net income of freelance writers. Already some freelancers, who declared their whole income as author s rights author and the publisher that explicitly states a fixed allocation of fees and entire payment as fee (and not as author s right at all!). from daily newspapers to look at what might be a sounder ratio between professional incomes (the fee for the work) and roerend inkomen/revenus mobiliers (in this case meaning author s rights). Both parties agreed that a proportion might be permanently accepted by tax authorities and social security organisations. The proportion would mean that for every 1,000 EUR earned, 700 EUR would be normally taxed, while the remaining 300 EUR would be (favourably) taxed as author s rights. had not yet reached an agreement with the tax authorities, thus this ratio may not be accepted. Unfortunately, since such an agreement does not exist yet, most Belgian publishers have gone back to their initial view and pay their freelancers yet again under the author s rights regime. The Belgian Journalists Association strongly opposes such practices, but can only warn journalists to be aware of the danger of having to pay extra tax (and social contributions) author s rights. P.92 Reporting Brussels

93 right. Additional income from the resale of an article or a video by the editing or broadcasting company can be considered as 100% author s rights. This also applies to the author s rights that an employee may receive separately from his/her fixed salary. When formally considered author s rights, the favourable tax system is applicable. Foreign freelancers taxable in Belgium, either working in Belgium for a foreign publishing company or a broadcasting company, might see this new and publishers have not yet reached an agreement with the tax authorities so tax authorities will not accept you counting your total fee as author s rights. More information for non-residents can be found on the Belgian Federal Public Service s website. Articles on general rules for taxation of foreigners in Belgium can be found on Reporting Brussels P.93

94 Media Organisations in Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) P.94 Reporting Brussels

95 associations present in Brussels Residence Palace, block C/3205, Rue de la Loi 155, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Tel: +32 (0) Reporting Brussels P.95

96 (From September 2012 on: rue de la Senne 21, 1000 Brussels) Tel: +32 (0) (From September 2012 on: rue de la Senne 21, 1000 Brussels) Tel: +32 (0) /70 Tel: Fax: [email protected] NUJ in Brussels: Tel: +32 (0) P.96 Reporting Brussels

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100 European news is becoming more prominent throughout the media. Reporting Brussels gives tips, contacts and methods to help journalists with EU stories relevant for their own audience.... Contact us at: How to find us +32 (0) Residence Palace (Metro Schuman) +32 (0) Rue de la Loi, bloc C/3205 B-1040 Brussels