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

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

Journalists @ 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)2 235 23 46 www.brusselsreporter.eu info@brusselsreporter.eu Reporting Brussels was printed with the support of IPC-Residence Palace

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

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

Foreword...6 EU institutions under the Lisbon Treaty...8 European Commission...9...13...27...28 European Parliament...35...37...37...38...39...42...44...45 Council of the European Union...49...49...50...51...53...56...61 Other EU institutions...62 EU Agencies...67 International Organisations...71 Lobby groups & NGOs...73 Think tanks...77 Information sources...79...79...80...81 Accreditation...82 Taxation...88 Media organisations in Brussels...94 Reporting Brussels P.5

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

In over ten years of activity J@YS 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 J@YS, with the invaluable contribution of the J@YS coordinator Cristina Romero, who has taken care among other things of the revamping of the new J@YS website (www.brusselsreporter.eu), 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 Journalists @ Your Service (J@YS) Mobile: +32 (0)475 244 697 Brussels, May 2012 Reporting Brussels P.7

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 2012. For further information on the new Lisbon Treaty, see also www.ec.europa.eu/publications/booklets/others/84/en.pdf P.8 Reporting Brussels

European Commission Rue de la Loi 200 B-1049 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 299 11 11 www.ec.europa.eu 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. 2010. 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 (www.europa.eu). 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

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, e-mail (presspressroom-team@ec.europa.eu), or telephone the press room team. Press Room + Accreditation Written Press Silvana RIVA Press room BERL-1/PRE6 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 00 86 M: +32 (0)498 950 086 Fax: +32 (0)2 299 47 70 silvana.riva@ec.europa.eu Pier SOLDATI Press Accreditation BERL-1/PRE6 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 01 70 Fax: +32 (0)2 299 47 70 pier.soldati@ec.europa.eu Monday to Thursday : 9.00-13.00 and 14.30-17.00 Fridays : 9.00-13.00 and 14.30-16.00. It is closed during the first two weeks of August. P.10 Reporting Brussels

Journalists based outside Brussels can follow the daily briefing in two ways: 1. Europe by Satellite www.ec.europa.eu/avservices/ebs/schedule.cfm 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 www.europa.eu/newsroom/index_en.htm 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

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

European Commission Spokespersons Service E-mail addresses are formed as follows: name.surname@ec.europa.eu Telephone number for weekends and outside working hours: +32 (0)2 295 84 63 Koen DOENS Head of the Spokespersons Service BERL 3/339 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 15 66 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 79 12 Mobile: +32 (0)498 981 566 koen.doens@ec.europa.eu Pia AHRENKILDE HANSEN Spokesperson of the European Commission BERL-3/347 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 30 70 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 42 84 Mobile: +32 (0)498 953 070 pia.ahrenkilde-hansen@ec.europa.eu Leonor RIBEIRO DA SILVA Deputy Spokesperson, Activities of the President BERL 3/353 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 81 55 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 42 84 Mobile: +32 (0)498 981 669 leonor.ribeiro-da-silva@ec.europa.eu Krisztina NAGY Assistant to the Head of Service BERL 3/334 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 86 63 Mobile: +32 (0)498 988 663 krisztina.nagy@ec.europa.eu Mark GRAY Spokesperson, Advisor to the Head of Service BERL 3/319 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 86 44 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 42 84 Mobile: +32 (0)498 988 644 mark-stephen.gray@ec.europa.eu OFFICE OF KOEN DOENS Jonathan ACKE Secretary to the Head of Service BERL 3/336 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 93 77 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 79 12 Mobile: +32 (0)498 956 619 jonathan.acke@ec.europa.eu Tuuli HUTTUNEN Secretary to the Head of Service BERL 3/336 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 04 27 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 79 12 Mobile: +32 (0)498 956 619 tuuli.huttunen@ec.europa.eu Reporting Brussels P.13

OFFICE OF PIA AHRENKILDE HANSEN - MIDDAY COORDINATION Delphine RIO Secretary BERL 3/350 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 36 75 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 42 84 Mobile: +32 (0)498 995 741 delphine.rio@ec.europa.eu OFFICE OF LEONOR RIBEIRO DA SILVA Kristyna HAMRIKOVA Secretary BERL 3/350 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 69 80 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 42 84 Mobile: +32 (0)498 986 980 kristyna.hamrikova@ec.europa.eu PLANNING AND COORDINATION SECTOR Ricardo BORGES DE CASTRO Spokesperson BERL 3/320 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 73 53 Mobile: +32 (0) 460 750 826 ricardo.borges-de-castro@ec.europa.eu Cezary LEWANOWICZ Spokesperson BERL 3/328 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 30 50 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 42 84 Mobile: +32 (0)498 984 501 cezary.lewanowicz@ec.europa.eu Jens MESTER Spokesperson BERL 3/332 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 39 73 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 42 84 Mobile: +32 (0)498 963 973 jens.mester@ec.europa.eu Simon O CONNOR Spokesperson BERL 3/286 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 73 59 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 42 84 Mobile: +32 (0)498 967 359 simon.oconnor@ec.europa.eu Melanie DUNN Spokesperson/Speechwriter BERL 2/351 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 69 14 Mobile: +32 (0)498 984 711 melanie.dunn@ec.europa.eu David HUDSON Spokesperson/Speechwriter BERL 2/350 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 83 35 Mobile: +32 (0)460 768 335 david.hudson@ec.europa.eu P.14 Reporting Brussels

Myriam SOCHACKI Spokesperson/Speechwriter BERL 2/347 Tel: +32 (0)2 292 14 29 Mobile: +32 (0)498 984 436 myriam.sochacki@ec.europa.eu Veronika SUMOVA Press Office BERL 3/326 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 76 80 Mobile: +32 (0) 498 984 440 lea.iskra@ec.europa.eu Dirk VOLCKAERTS Press Officer BERL 3/323 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 39 44 Mobile: +32 (0)460 793 944 dirk.volckaerts@ec.europa.eu Maya ANGELOVA Secretary BERL 3/323 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 27 63 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 79 12 Mobile: +32 (0)498 962 763 maya.angelova@ec.europa.eu Jenni KINNUNEN Secretary Berl 3/326 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 87 75 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 79 12 Mobile: 32 (0)460 758 775 jenni.kinnunen@ec.europa.eu Silvana RIVA Press Room BERL 1/PRE6 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 00 86 Fax: +32 (0)2 299 47 70 Mobile: +32 (0)498 950 086 silvana.riva@ec.europa.eu Pier SOLDATI Press Accreditation BERL 1/PRE6 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 01 70 Fax: +32 (0)2 299 47 70 pier.soldati@ec.europa.eu Unit 1 Growth and Jobs Olivier BAILLY Head of Unit/Coordinating Spokesperson BERL 2/298 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 87 17 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 06 25 Mobile: +32 (0)498 968 717 olivier.bailly@ec.europa.eu Franck ARRII Secretary BERL 4/321 Tel:+32 (0)2 297 22 21 franck.arrii@ec.europa.eu Reporting Brussels P.15

COMPETITION (VICE-PRESIDENT JOAQUÍN ALMUNIA) Antoine COLOMBANI Spokesperson BERL 4/287 Tel: +32 (0)2 297 45 13 antoine.colombani@ec.europa.eu Marisa GONZÁLEZ IGLESIAS Press Officer BERL 3/292 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 19 25 Fax: +32 (0)2 295 14 13 Mobile: +32 (0)498 951925 marisa.gonzalez-iglesias@ec.europa.eu María MADRID Press Officer BERL 3/327 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 45 30 Mobile: +32 (0)498 954 530 maria.madrid-pina@ec.europa.eu Olga LESZCZYNSKA-VARGIN Secretary BERL 3/310 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 55 20 olga.leszczynska-vargin@ec.europa.eu ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS (COMMISSIONER OLLI REHN) Amadeu ALTAFAJ TARDIO Spokesperson BERL 4/333 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 26 58 Fax: +32 (0)2 298 41 72 Mobile: +32 (0)498 952 658 amadeu.altafaj-tardio@ec.europa.eu Vandna KALIA Press Officer to Amadeu Altafaj TARDIO Mobile: +32 (0)460 795 824 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 58 24 vandna.kalia@ec.europa.eu Samantha BUTTERWORTH Secretary BERL 4/329 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 55 22 Fax: +32 (0)2 295 14 13 samantha.butterworth@ec.europa.eu INDUSTRY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (VICE-PRESIDENT ANTONIO TAJANI) Carlo CORAZZA Spokesperson BERL 4/325 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 17 52 Mobile: +32 (0)498 992 862 carlo.corazza@ec.europa.eu P.16 Reporting Brussels

Sara TIRONI Secretary to Carlo CORAZZA and Michael JENNINGS BERL 4/328 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 04 03 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 67 Mobile: +32 (0)460 790 403 sara.tironi@ec.europa.eu Inmaculada MARTINEZ GARCIA Secretary to Carlo CORAZZA and Michael JENNINGS BERL 4/313 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 73 03 inmaculada.martinez-garcia@ec.europa.eu INTERNAL MARKET AND SERVICES (COMMISSIONER MICHEL BARNIER) Chantal HUGHES Spokesperson BERL 4/325 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 44 50 Mobile: +32 (0)498 964 450 chantal.hughes@ec.europa.eu Carmel DUNNE Press Officer BERL 4/329 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 88 94 Mobile: +32 (0)498 998 894 carmel.dunne@ec.europa.eu Audrey AUGIER Press Officer to Amadeu ALTAFAJ TARDIO and Chantal HUGHES BERL 4/329 Tel: +32 (0)2 297 16 07 Mobile : +32 (0)460 752 197 audrey.augier@ec.europa.eu Nathalie MINSART Secretary BERL 4/329 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 43 35 Fax: +32 (0)2 299 19 70 nathalie.minsart@ec.europa.eu RESEARCH, INNOVATION & SCIENCE (COMMISSIONER MÁIRE GEOGHEGAN-QUINN) Michael JENNINGS Spokesperson BERL 4/316 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 33 88 Mobile: + 32 (0)498 986 880 michael.jennings@ec.europa.eu Monika WCISLO Press Officer BERL 4/313 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 56 04 Mobile: +32 (0)498 986 595 monika.wcislo@ec.europa.eu Reporting Brussels P.17

EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND INCLUSION (COMMISSIONER LÁSZLÓ ANDOR) Jonathan TODD Spokesperson BERL 4/307 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 41 07 Mobile: +32 (0) 498 994 107 jonathan.todd@ec.europa.eu Nadège DEFRÈRE Press Officer BERL 4/302 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 45 44 Mobile: +32 (0)460 752 148 nadege.defrere@ec.europa.eu TAXATION AND CUSTOMS UNION, AUDIT AND ANTI-FRAUD (COMMISSIONER ALGIRDAS ŠEMETA) Emer TRAYNOR Spokesperson BERL 4/301 Tel: +32 (0)2 292 15 48 Fax: +32 (0)2 299 19 70 Mobile: +32 (0)498 983 871 emer.traynor@ec.europa.eu Natasja BOHEZ RUBIANO Press Officer BERL 4/302 Tel: +32 (0)2296 64 70 Fax: +32 (0)2 299 19 70 Mobile: +32 (0479 065 246 natasja.bohez-rubiano@ec.europa.eu Denise CLAREMBAUX Secretary to Jonathan TODD and Emer TRAYNOR BERL 4/302 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 05 39 Fax: +32 (0)2 299 19 70 denise.clarembaux@ec.europa.eu DIGITAL AGENDA (VICE-PRESIDENT NEELIE KROES) Ryan HEATH Spokesperson BERL 4/291 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 17 16 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 38 Mobile: +32 (0)460 750 221 ryan.heath@ec.europa.eu Linda CAIN Press Officer BERL 4/295 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 90 19 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 38 Mobile: +32 (0)498 999 019 linda.cain@ec.europa.eu P.18 Reporting Brussels

EDUCATION, CULTURE, MULTILINGUALISM AND YOUTH (COMMISSIONER ANDROULLA VASSILIOU) Dennis ABBOTT Spokesperson BERL 4/297 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 92 58 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 38 Mobile: +32 (0)498 959 258 dennis.abbott@ec.europa.eu Dina AVRAAM Press Officer BERL 4/295 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 96 67 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 38 Mobile: +32 (0)498 959 667 dina.avraam@ec.europa.eu Justyna MILANOWSKA Secretary to Ryan HEATH and Dennis ABBOTT BERL 4/295 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 42 46 Fax: +32 (0)2 298 41 72 justyna.milanowska@ec.europa.eu Unit 2 Citizens and Budget Frédéric VINCENT Head of Unit / Coordinating Spokesperson BERL 3/309 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 71 66 Mobile: +32 (0)498 987 166 frederic.vincent@ec.europa.eu Madalina CHIRIAC Secretary BERL 3/314 Tel: +32 (0)2 297 44 13 madalina.chiriac@ec.europa.eu Ilse GORDTS Secretary BERL 3/314 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 49 97 ilse.gordts@ec.europa.eu Reporting Brussels P.19

JUSTICE, FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND CITIZENSHIP (VICE-PRESIDENT VIVIANE REDING) Mina ANDREEVA Spokesperson BERL 4/344 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 13 82 Mobile: +32 (0)498 991 382 mina.andreeva@ec.europa.eu HOME AFFAIRS (COMMISSIONER CECILIA MALMSTRÖM) Michele CERCONE Spokesperson BERL 4/338 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 09 63 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 06 25 Mobile: +32 (0)498 982 349 michele.cercone@ec.europa.eu Tove ERNST Press Officer BERL 4/342 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 67 64 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 06 25 Mobile: +32 (0)498 984 483 tove.ernst@ec.europa.eu Natasha BERTAUD Secretary to Michele CERCONE and Mina ANDREEVA BERL 4/342 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 74 56 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 06 25 natasha.bertaud@ec.europa.eu AGRICULTURAL & RURAL DEVELOPMENT (COMMISSIONER DACIAN CIOLOŞ) Roger WAITE Spokesperson BERL 4/347 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 14 04 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 67 Mobile: +32 (0)498 961 404 roger.waite@ec.europa.eu Fanny DABERTRAND Press Officer BERL 4/351 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 06 25 Mobile: +32 (0)460 752 869 fanny.dabertrand@ec.europa.eu P.20 Reporting Brussels

MARITIME AFFAIRS & FISHERIES (COMMISSIONER MARIA DAMANAKI) Oliver DREWES Spokesperson BERL 4/353 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 24 21 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 67 Mobile: +32 (0)498 980 081 oliver.drewes@ec.europa.eu Lone MIKKELSEN Press Officer BERL 4/353 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 05 67 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 67 Mobile: +32 (0)498 960 567 lone.mikkelsen@ec.europa.eu Stéphanie LIARD Secretary to Roger WAITE and Oliver DREWES BERL 4/351 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 46 95 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 67 stephanie.liard@ec.europa.eu HEALTH & CONSUMER POLICY (COMMISSIONER JOHN DALLI) Frédéric VINCENT Spokesperson BERL 3/309 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 71 66 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 67 Mobile: +32 (0)498 987 166 frederic.vincent@ec.europa.eu Aikaterini APOSTOLA Press Officer BERL 3/308 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 76 24 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 67 Mobile: +32 (0)2 498 987 624 aikaterini.apostola@ec.europa.eu REGIONAL POLICY (COMMISSIONER JOHANNES HAHN) Ton VAN LIEROP Spokesperson BERL 3/304 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 65 65 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 38 Mobile: +32 (0)498 966 565 ton.van-lierop@ec.europa.eu Annemarie HUBER Press Officer BERL 3/304 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 65 65 Mobile: +32 (0)498 966 565 annemarie.huber@ec.europa.eu Christina WELLS Secretary to Ton VAN LIEROP and Frederic VINCENT BERL 3/308 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 57 25 christina.wells@ec.europa.eu Reporting Brussels P.21

INTER-INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION (VICE-PRESIDENT MAROS ŞEFČOVIČ) Antonio GRAVILI Spokesperson BERL 3/292 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 43 17 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 06 25 Mobile: +32 (0)498 954 317 antonio.gravili@ec.europa.eu Marilyn CARRUTHERS Press Officer BERL 3/295 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 94 51 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 06 25 Mobile: +32 (0)498 999 451 marilyn.carruthers@ec.europa.eu Helle MORTENSEN Secretary to Antonio GRAVILI and Patrizio FIORILLI BERL 3/295 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 32 12 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 06 25 helle.mortensen@ec.europa.eu FINANCIAL PROGRAMMING & BUDGET (COMMISSIONER JANUSZ LEWANDOWSKI) Patrizio FIORILLI Spokesperson BERL 3/301 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 81 32 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 06 25 Mobile: +32 (0)498 95 81 32 patrizio.fiorilli@ec.europa.eu Monika SIKORSKA Press Officer BERL 3/295 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 23 92 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 06 25 Mobile: +32 (0)498 952 392 monika-sandra.sikorska@ec.europa.eu Unit 3 Global and Sustainable Europe Alejandro ULZURRUN de ASANZA y MUÑOZ Head of Unit/Coordinating Spokesperson BERL 2/319 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 48 67 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 06 25 Mobile: +32 (0)498 954 867 alejandro.ulzurrun@ec.europa.eu Françoise d ENNETIERES Secretary BERL 2/322 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 40 87 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 06 25 francoise.dennetieres@ec.europa.eu P.22 Reporting Brussels

FOREIGN AFFAIRS & SECURITY POLICY (VICE-PRESIDENT/HIGH REPRESENTATIVE CATHERINE ASHTON) Michael MANN EEAS Spokesperson BERL 1/322 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 97 80 Fax: +32 (0)2 295 19 15 Mobile: +32 (0)498 999 780 michael.mann@eeas.europa.eu Maja KOCIJANCIC Spokesperson BERL 1/328 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 65 70 Fax: +32 (0) 295 19 15 Mobile: +32 (0)498 984 425 maja.kocijancic@ec.europa.eu Functional mailbox: COMM-SPP-HRVP-ASHTON@ec.europa.eu Sebastien BRABANT Deputy Spokesperson BERL 2/319 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 64 33 Fax: +32 (0)2 295 19 15 Mobile: +32 (0)460 750 998 sebastien.brabant@ec.europa.eu Alexandre POLACK Press Officer BERL 1/319 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 06 77 Mobile: +32 (0)460 790 677 alexandre.polack@ec.europa.eu Iulia COSTEA Secretary BERL 1/324 Tel: +32 (0)2 297 68 55 Fax: +32 (0)2 295 19 15 iulia.costea@ec.europa.eu Functional mailbox: COMM-SPP-HRVP-ASHTON@ec.europa.eu Delphine LIEVREMONT Secretary BERL 1/324 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 17 46 Fax: +32 (0)2 295 19 15 delphine.lievremont@ec.europa.eu Functional mailbox: COMM-SPP-HRVP-ASHTON@ec.europa.eu Reporting Brussels P.23

TRADE (COMMISSIONER KAREL DE GUCHT) John CLANCY Spokesperson BERL 1/355 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 37 73 Fax: +32 (0)2 298 41 72 Mobile: +32 (0)498 953 773 john.clancy@ec.europa.eu Helene BANNER Press Officer BERL 1/352 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 24 07 Mobile: +32 (0)460 752 407 helene.banner@ext.ec.europa.eu ENLARGEMENT AND EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICY (COMMISSIONER ŠTEFAN FÜLE) Peter STANO Spokesperson BERL 1/346 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 74 84 Fax: +32 (0)2 298 41 72 Mobile: +32 (0)460 757 484 peter.stano@ec.europa.eu Anca PADURARU Press Officer BERL 1/352 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 64 30 Fax: +32 (0)2 298 41 72 Mobile: +32 (0)498 966 430 anca.paduraru@ec.europa.eu Dominique SAINT JAMES Secretary to John CLANCY and Peter STANO BERL 1/352 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 97 91 dominique.saint-james@ec.europa.eu DEVELOPMENT (COMMISSIONER ANDRIS PIEBALGS) Catherine RAY Spokesperson BERL 1/336 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 99 21 Fax: +32 (0)2 299 19 70 Mobile: +32 (0)498 969 921 catherine.ray@ec.europa.eu Wojtek TALKO Press Officer BERL 1/337 Tel: +32 (0)2 297 85 51 Fax: +32 (0)2 299 19 70 Mobile: +32 (0)498 978 551 wojtek.talko@ec.europa.eu P.24 Reporting Brussels

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, HUMANITARIAN AID & CRISIS RESPONSE (COMMISSIONER KRISTALINA GEORGIEVA) David SHARROCK Spokesperson BERL 1/341 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 89 09 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 67 Mobile: +32 (0)460 750 628 david.sharrock@ec.europa.eu Irina NOVAKOVA Press Officer BERL 1/337 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 57 517 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 67 Mobile: +32 (0)498 957 517 irina.novakova@ec.europa.eu Larissa DELCOURT Secretary to Catherine RAY and David SHARROCK BERL 1/337 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 10 35 Fax: +32 (0)2 299 19 70 larissa.delcourt@ec.europa.eu ENVIRONMENT (COMMISSIONER JANEZ POTOČNIK) Joe HENNON Spokesperson BERL 2/325 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 35 93 Mobile: +32 (0)498 953 593 joe.hennon@ec.europa.eu Monica WESTEREN Press Officer BERL 2/328 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 18 30 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 67 Mobile: +32 (0)498 982 892 monica.westeren@ext.ec.europa.eu CLIMATE ACTION (COMMISSIONER CONNIE HEDEGAARD) Isaac VALERO LADRON Spokesperson BERL 2/330 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 49 71 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 67 Mobile: +32 (0)498 964 971 isaac.valero-ladron@ec.europa.eu Stephanie RHOMBERG Press Officer BERL 2/328 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 72 78 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 0625 Mobile: +32 (0)460 751 124 stephanie.rhomberg@ec.europa.eu Reporting Brussels P.25

Lorella CORATO Secretary to Joe HENNON and to Isaac VALERO LADRON BERL 2/328 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 30 99 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 67 lorella.corato@ec.europa.eu ENERGY (COMMISSIONER GÜNTHER OETTINGER) Marlene HOLZNER Spokesperson BERL 2/344 Tel: +32 (0)2 296 01 96 Fax: +32 (0)2 295 41 43 Mobile: +32 (0)498 982 280 marlene.holzner@ec.europa.eu Nicole BOCKSTALLER Press Officer BERL 2/342 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 25 89 Fax: +32 (0)2 295 01 43 Mobile: +32 (0)498 952 589 nicole.bockstaller@ec.europa.eu Katerina RYBAROVA Secretary to Marlene HOLZNER and Helen KEARNS BERL 2/342 Tel: +32 (0)2 299 04 25 Fax: +32 (0)2 295 01 43 katerina.rybarova@ec.europa.eu TRANSPORT (VICE-PRESIDENT SIIM KALLAS) Helen KEARNS Spokesperson BERL 2/335 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 76 38 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 06 25 Mobile: +32 (0)498 987 638 helen.kearns@ec.europa.eu Dale KIDD Press Officer BERL 2/338 Tel: +32 (0)2 295 74 61 Fax: +32 (0)2 296 06 25 Mobile: +32 (0)498 957 461 dale.kidd@ec.europa.eu P.26 Reporting Brussels

European Commission s Audiovisual Service B-1049 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0)2 299 37 39, Fax: +32 (0)2 299 93 01 fabrizia.de-rosa@ec.europa.eu Tel: +32 (0)2 296 41 06, Fax: +32 (0)2 298 70 23 www.ec.europa.eu/avservices/ebs EbS News Desk - Tel: +32 (0)2 296 41 06, Fax: +32 (0)2 230 12 80 newsdesk@ec.europa.eu Tel: +32 (0)2 296 82 94, Fax: +32 (0)2 299 93 01 simona.pilko@ec.europa.eu The Commission runs a virtual media library stocked with audio, video and photo clips: www.ec.europa.eu/avservices Those wishing to use the site need only to register once. To obtain material, contact: comm-photo@ec.europa.eu mediatheque@ec.europa.eu Reporting Brussels P.27

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: +43 1 516 180, Fax: +43 1 513 4225 lieven.cosijn@ec.europa.eu 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)2 295 38 44, Fax: +32 (0)2 295 01 66 Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria, 9 Moskovska St., Tel: +359 2 933 5252, Fax: +359 2 933 5233 P.28 Reporting Brussels

Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, 30 Byron Avenue, 1096 Nicosia, Cyprus - Tel: +357 2281 7770, Fax: +357 2276 8926 Representation of the European Commission in the Czech Republic, Tel: +420 2 24 31 28 35, Fax: +420 2 24 31 28 50 www.ec.europa.eu/ceskarepublika comm-rep-cz@ec.europa.eu Europa-Kommissionens Repræsentation i Danmark, Gothersgade 115, DK-1123 København K, Danmark - Tel: +45 33 14 41 40, Fax: +45 33 11 12 03 www.europa.eu/danmark Euroopa Komisjoni Esindus Eestis, Rävala 4, 10145 Tallinn, Eesti Tel: +372 62 644 00 Euroopan komission Suomen edustusto/europeiska kommissionens representation i Finland, Pohjoisesplanadi 31/Norra esplanaden 31, Reporting Brussels P.29

288, Boulevard Saint-Germain F-75007 Paris, France Tel: +33 1 40 63 38 00, Fax: +33 1 45 56 94 Vertretung der Europäischen Kommission in Deutschland Unter den Linden 78, D-10117 Berlin, Germany - Tel: +49 30 2280 2000 Vertretung der Europäischen Kommission in Bonn Bertha-von-Suttner-Platz 2-4, D-53111 Bonn, Germany - Tel: +49 228 530 090 Vertretung der Europäischen Kommission in München Erhardtstraße 27, D-80469 München, Deutschland - Tel: +49 89 2424 480 Evropaiki Epitropi-Antiprosopeia stin Ellada, 2, Vassilissis Sofias GR-10674 Athina, Ellas - Tel: +30 210 7272 100, Fax: +30 210 72 44 620 P.30 Reporting Brussels

Tel: +36 1 209 9710, Fax: +36 1 466 4221 European Commission Representation in Ireland Tel: +353 1 634 1111, Fax: +353 1 634 1112 Rappresentanza in Italia della Commissione Europea, Via IV Novembre 149, I-00187 Roma, Italy - Tel: +39 06 699 991, Fax: +39 06 679 1658 / 36 52 Rappresentanza a Milano della Commissione Europea, Corso Magenta, 59, I-20123 Milano, Italia - Tel: +39 02 4675 141, Fax:+39 02 481 85 43 Representation of the European Commission in Latvia, Aspazijas street 28, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia - Tel: +371 6708 5400, Fax: +371 708 54 48 Representation of the European Commission in Lithuania Naugarduko St. 10, LT-01141 Vilnius, Lithuania Tel: +370 5231 3191 - Fax: +370 5231 3192 Reporting Brussels P.31

Représentation de la Commission Européenne au Luxembourg Tel: +352 4301 32 925, Fax : +352 4301 34 433 Kummissjoni Ewropea Rapprezentanza F Malta, Dar I-Ewropa, 254 St Paul Street, Valletta VLT 1215, Malta - Tel: +356 23 42 50 00 Fax: +356 99 43 82 81 Europese Commissie Vertegenwoordiging in Nederland, Mauritskade 35, www.ec.europa.eu/ Reprezentacja Komisji Europejskiej w Polsce, Ul. Jasna 14/16a, 00-041 Warszawa, Polska - Tel: +48 22 556 89 89 www.ec.europa.eu/polska Representação da Comissão Europeia em Portugal, Largo Jean Monnet n 1-10, P-1269-068 Lisboa, Portugal - Tel: +351 21 350 98 European Commission in Romania, 31 Vasile Lascar st., sector 2 020492 Bucharest, Romania - Tel: +40 21 203 54 00, Fax: +40 21 212 88 08 P.32 Reporting Brussels

Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia, Palisady 29, SK-811 06 Bratislava, Slovak Republic Tel: +421 2 5443 1718, Fax: +421 2 5443 2972 Representation of the European Commission in Slovenia, Breg 14, Representación de la Comisión Europea en España, Paseo de la Castellana, 46, E-28046 Madrid, España - Tel: +34 91 423 8021 MARINÉ Representación de la Comisión Europea en Barcelona, Paseo de Gracia, 90, 1, E-08008 Barcelona, España - Tel: +34 93 467 7380 Europeiska Kommissionen Representationen i, Sverige, Regeringsgatan 65, www.ec.europa.eu/sverige Representation of the European Commission in the United Kingdom, United Kingdom - Tel: +44 20 7973 1992 Reporting Brussels P.33

Representation of the European Commission in Wales, 2 Caspian Point, Caspian Way, Cardiff CF10 4QQ, United Kingdom - Tel: +44 2920 895 020 Representation of the European Commission in Scotland, 9 Alva Street, Representation of the European Commission in Northern Ireland, Tel: +44 28 902 40 708 P.34 Reporting Brussels

European Parliament Rue Wiertz, 60B-1047 Brussels Tel. +32 (0)2 284 21 11 www.europarl.europa.eu Entrance on Rue Vautier - Tel: +32 (0)2 284 21 11 Avenue du Président Robert Schuman, 1, CS 91024 F-67070 Strasbourg Cedex, France Tel. +33 (0)3 881 74005 - Fax: +33 (0)3 885 66035 1728 Luxembourg - Tel: +352 (0)43 00 22 597 Hotline-Newsdesk news reports or programmes about Europe. Tel: +32 (0)2 284 28 00 hotlinenewsdesk@europarl.europa.eu 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

The creation of its own television channels (www.europarltv.europa.eu) 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 11.00 on the Friday before the monthly meetings in Strasbourg. A last-minute press briefing is held in Strasbourg at 16.00 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: www.europarl.europa.eu 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

EP PRESIDENT S PRESS OFFICE Armin MACHMER President s Spokesperson Tel: +32 (0)2 284 151 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 73436 M: +32 475 751 663 armin.machmer@europarl.europa.eu Michael BERGIUS Deputy Spokesperson M: +32 (0)473 853 994 michael.bergius@europarl.europa.eu Richard FREEDMAN Press Officer for the President Tel: +32 (0)2 284 14 48 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 73785 M: +32 (0)498 983 239 richard.freedman@europarl.europa.eu EP PRESS SERVICE Jaume DUCH GUILLOT - Director for the Media and European Parliament Spokesperson Tel: +32 (0)2 284 30 00 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74705 M: +32 (0)496 599 476 jaume.duch@europarl.europa.eu Marjory VAN DEN BROEKE Head of Press Room Unit, European Parliament Tel: +32 (0)2 284 43 04 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74336 M: +32 (0)498 983 586 marjory.vandenbroeke@europarl.europa.eu Ioannis DARMIS Head of the Media Services and Monitoring Unit Tel: +32 (0)2 284 38 16 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74692 M: +32 (0)498 983 269 ioannis.darmis@europarl.europa.eu Fernando CARBAJO Head of the Audiovisual Unit Tel: +32 (0)2 284 48 16 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74737 M: +32 (0)498 983 363 fernando.carbajo@europarl.europa.eu Reporting Brussels P.37

Tip: If you know the name of the person to contact, you can simply write an e-mail using this address format: name.surname@europarl.europa.eu. 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)2 284 22 28 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74144 M: +32 (0)475 493 356 Fax: + 32 (0)2 284 17 18 Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats (S&D) - Utta TUTTLIES Tel: +32(0)2 284 3744 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 72998 M: +32 (0)495 192 667 Fax: +32 (0)2 284 91 06 Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) - Neil CORLETT Tel: +32 (0)2 284 20 77 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74167 M: +32 (0)478 782 284 Fax: +32 (0)2 284 49 46 Fax: +33 (0)3 882 56471 The Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA) - Steven CORNELIUS Tel: +32 (0)2 284 16 65 Tel: +33 (0)3 8817 2936 European United Left/Nordic Green Left (EUL/NGL) - Gianfranco BATTISTINI Tel: +32 (0)2 284 67 85 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 72936 M: +32 (0)475 646 628 Fax: +32 (0)2 284 71 19 P.38 Reporting Brussels

European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) - James HOLTUM Tel: +32 (0) 2 284 13 94 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 73512 M: +32 (0) 473 861 762 Fax: +32 (0) 2 284 45 32 Europe of Freedom and Democracy (EFD) - Hermann KELLY Tel: +32 (0)2 284 60 57 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 78303 language. PLENARY PRESS OFFICERS Coordinator: Janez VOUK Tel: +32 (0)2 283 10 53 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74897 M: +32 (0)498 983 337 janez.vouk@europarl.europa.eu BULGARIAN SECTOR: Dolchin CHOLAKOV Tel: +32 (0)2 284 23 03 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74608 presa-bg@europarl.europa.eu CZECH SECTOR: Vaclav LEBEDA Tel: +32 (0)2 283 29 71 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 73839 M: +32 (0)498 983 327 TiskoveOddeleni-CZ@europarl.europa.eu DANISH SECTOR: Rikke ULDALL Tel: +32 (0)2 284 29 76 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74005 M: +32 (0)498 983 257 Fax: +32 (0)2 284 65 15 Fax: +33 (0)3 881 79355 presse-dk@europarl.europa.eu Reporting Brussels P.39

DUTCH SECTOR: Sanne DE RYCK Tel: +32 (0)2 284 25 31 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 73605 M: +32 (0)498 983 451 Fax: +32 (0)2 284 91 71 Fax: +33 (0)3 881 72901 persdienst-nl@europarl.europa.eu ENGLISH SECTOR: Mary BRAZIER Tel: +32 (0)2 283 27 33 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74005 M: +32 (0)498 893 587 press-en@europarl.europa.eu ESTONIAN SECTOR: press-et@europarl.europa.eu FINNISH SECTOR: Satu HELIN Tel: +32 (0)2 284 14 98 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 73612 M: +32 (0)498 983 386 tiedotus@europarl.europa.eu FRENCH SECTOR: Fabienne GUTMANN-VORMUS Tel: +32 (0)2 284 06 50 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 72649 M: +32 (0)498 983 985 Fax: +32 (0)2 284 91 71 Fax: +33 (0)3 881 79984 presse-fr@europarl.europa.eu GERMAN SECTOR: Ayla Sultan CICEK Tel: +32 (0)2 284 10 09 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74151 M: +32 (0)498 981 337 presse-de@europarl.europa.eu GREEK SECTOR: Kristina-Antigoni ELEFTERIE Tel: +32 (0)2 283 10 53 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74651 M: +32 (0)498 988 283 Fax: +32 (0)2 284 91 71 Fax: +33 (0)3 881 79984 typos-el@europarl.europa.eu HUNGARIAN SECTOR: sajto-hu@europarl.europa.eu ITALIAN SECTOR: Federico DE GIROLAMO Tel: +32 (0)2 283 13 89 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74005 M: +32 (0)498 983 591 Fax: +32 (0)2 284 91 71 Fax: +33 (0)3 881 72901 stampa-it@europarl.europa.eu P.40 Reporting Brussels

LATVIAN SECTOR: Agnese KRIVADE Tel: +32 (0)2 284 35 62 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74794 M: +32 (0)498 983 983 prese-lv@europarl.europa.eu LITHUANIAN SECTOR: spauda-lt@europarl.europa.eu MALTESE SECTOR: Corinne CORDINA Tel: +32 (0)2 283 10 82 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74588 M: +32 (0)498 983 300 Fax: +32 (0)2 284 69 01 Fax: +33 (0)3 881 79984 stampa-mt@europarl.europa.eu POLISH SECTOR: Dorota KOLINSKA Tel: +32 (0)2 283 27 87 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74005 M: +32 (0)498 983 280 prasa-pl@europarl.europa.eu PORTUGUESE SECTOR: imprensa-pt@europarl.europa.eu ROMANIAN SECTOR: redactia-ro@europarl.europa.eu SLOVAKIAN SECTOR: Zuzana REPKOVA-ANDREJCAKOVA Tel: +32 (0)2 283 21 19 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 76673 M: +32 (0)498 983 334 Fax: +32 (0)2 284 92 53 Fax: +33 (0)3 881 72901 TlacoveOddelenie-sk@europarl.europa.eu SLOVENE SECTOR: Janez VOUK Tel: +32 (0)2 283 10 53 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74897 M: +32 (0)498 983 337 Fax: +32 (0)2 284 69 01 Fax: +33 (0)3 881 72901 TiskovnaSluzba-SL@europarl.europa.eu SPANISH SECTOR: Natalia DASILVA Tel: +32 (0)2 284 43 01 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 73661 M: +32 (0)498 983 985 Fax: +32 (0)2 284 92 53 Fax: +33 (0)3 881 72901 prensa-es@europarl.europa.eu Reporting Brussels P.41

SWEDISH SECTOR: press-sv@europarl.europa.eu A full list of the European Parliament press officers with responsibility EP COMMITTEE PRESS Press Unit Coordinator - Andreas KLEINER Tel: +32 (0)2 283 22 66 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 72336 M: +32 (0)498 983 322 andreas.kleiner@europarl.europa.eu FOREIGN AFFAIRS (AFET) and SECURITY AND DEFENCE (SEDE) Mary BRAZIER (Team Coordinator) Tel: +32 (0)2 283 27 73 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74751 M: +32 (0)498 983 587 foreign-press@europarl.europa.eu CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS (AFCO) and LEGAL AFFAIRS (JURI) - Federico DE GIROLAMO Tel: +32 (0)2 283 13 89 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 72850 M: +32 (0)498 983 591 AGRICULTURE (AGRI) and FISHERIES (PECH) - Jan JAKUBOV Tel: +32 (0)2 283 44 76 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 73840 M: +32 (0)498 983 590 fish-press@europarl.europa.eu REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT (REGI) and AGRICULTURE (AGRI) - Vaclav LEBEDA Tel: +32 (0)2 283 29 71 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 73839 M: +32 (0)498 983 327 BUDGETS (BUDG), BUDGETARY CONTROL (CONT) and POLICY CHALLENGES COMMITTEE (SURE) - Ron KORVER (Team Coordinator) Tel: +32 (0)2 284 46 59 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74903 M: +32 (0)498 983 588 P.42 Reporting Brussels

INTERNAL MARKET AND COMSUMER PROTECTION (IMCO), COMMITTEE ON THE FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CRISIS (CRIS) - Rikke ULDALL Tel: +32 (0)2 284 29 76 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 72033 M: +32 (0)498 983 257 ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS (ECON) - Dorota KOLINSKA Tel: +32 (0)2 283 27 87 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74005 M: +32 (0)498 983 208 econ-press@europarl.europa.eu John SCHRANZ Tel: +32 (0)2 284 42 64 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74076 M: +32 (0)498 981 402 econ-press@europarl.europa.eu CULTURE AND EDUCATION (CULT) - Cornelia GUSA Tel: +32 (0)2 283 26 01 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 73784 cult-press@europarl.europa.eu DEVELOPMENT (DEVE) and INTERNATIONAL TRADE (INTA) - Agnese KRIVADE Tel: +32 (0)2 284 35 62 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74794 M: +32 (0)498 983 983 inta-press@europarl.europa.eu HUMAN RIGHTS (DROI) - Satu HELIN Tel: +32 (0)2 284 14 98 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 73612 M: +32 (0)498 983 386 droi-press@europarl.europa.eu EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS (EMPL, ITRE) - Nora CHAAL Tel :+32 (0)2 283 22 69 Tel :+33 (0)3 881 78290 M:+32 (0)498 983 402 empl-press@europarl.europa.eu INDUSTRY, RESEARCH AND ENERGY (ITRE) - Kristina ELEFTERIE Tel :+32 (0)2 283 27 98 Tel : +33 (0)3 881 74651 M: +32 (0)498 983 283 indu-press@europarl.europa.eu ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY (ENVI) Christopher COAKLEY (Team Coordinator) Tel: +32 (0)2 284 48 59 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 76853 M: +32 (0)498 983 326 envi-press@europarl.europa.eu Reporting Brussels P.43

WOMEN S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY (FEMM) - Ayla Sultan ÇIÇEK Tel: +32 (0)2 284 10 09 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74151 M: +32 (0)498 981 337 femm-press@europarl.europa.eu INTERNAL MARKET AND CONSUMER PROTECTION (IMCO) - Rikke ULDALL Tel: +32 (0)2 284 29 76 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 72033 M: +32 (0)498 983 257 imco-press@europarl.europa.eu CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS (LIBE) and PETITIONS (PETI) Natalia DA SILVA Tel: +32 (0)2 284 43 01 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 73661 M: +32 (0)498 983 985 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT (REGI) and TRANSPORT AND TOURISM (TRAN) Michaela FINDEIS (Team Coordinator) Tel: +32 (0)2 283 11 41 Tel: +33 (0) 3 881 73603 M: +32 (0)498 983 332 Seminars, Enlargement Countries - Michel PLUMLEY Tel: +32 (0)2 284 10 56 Tel: +33 (0)3 881 74909 M: +32 (0)498 983 238 michel.plumley@europarl.europa.eu 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

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)2 284 25 35 Tel: +33(0)3 881 74768 M: +32 (0) 498 983 226 paula.fernandez-hervas@europarl.europa.eu Tel: +43 1 516 17206 - Fax: +43 1 513 25 15 Tel: +32 (0)2 284 20 05 - Fax: +32 (0)2 230 75 55 Tel: +359 2 985 35 43 - Fax: +359 2 981 99 44 Tel: +357 22 87 05 00 - Fax: +357 22 76 77 33 Reporting Brussels P.45

Tel: +420 255 708 270 - Fax: +420 255 708 200 Tel: +45 3 3143377 - Fax: +45 3 3150805 epkobenhavn@europarl Tel: +372 630 6967 - Fax: +372 630 6968 Tel: +358 962 204521 - Fax: +358 9 6222610 Tel: +33 1 40 63 40 07 - Fax: +33 1 45 51 52 53 F-67070 Strasbourg Cedex Tel: +33 3 88 17 40 01 - Fax: +33 3 88 17 51 84 epstrasbourg@europarl.europa.eu Tel: +33 4 91 91 46 00 - Fax: +33 4 91 90 95 03 epmarseille@europarl.europa.eu http://sudest.europarl.fr/view/fr/bienvenue.html Tel: +49 30 22801200 - Fax: +49 30 22801111 Tel: +49 89 202 08790 - Fax: +49 89 202 087973 epmuenchen@europarl.europa.eu Tel +30 210 327 89 24 - Fax: +30 210 331 15 40 P.46 Reporting Brussels

Tel: +36 1 411 3552 - Fax: +36 1 411 3560 Tel: +353 1 6057932 - Fax: +353 1 6057999 Tel: +39 06 699 50236 - Fax: +39 06 699 502 00 Tel: +39 02 43 44 171 - Fax: +39 02 43 44 17 500 epmilano@europarl.europa.eu Tel: +371 708 54 68 - Fax: +371 7 08 54 70 Tel: +370 5 212 1530 - Fax: +370 5 261 98 28 Tel: +352 4300 22597 - Fax: +352 4300 22457 Tel: +356 21 23 50 75 - Fax: +356 21 22 75 80 Tel: +31 70 313 54 22 - Fax: +31 70 364 70 01 epdenhaag@europarl ul. Jasna 14/16 a, 00-041 Warsaw Tel: +48 22 595 24 84 - Fax: +48 22 595 24 80 epwarszawa@europarl Reporting Brussels P.47

Largo Jean Monnet 1-6, P-1269-070 Lisbon Tel: +351 21 350 49 13 - Fax: +351 21 354 00 04 eplisboa@europarl Tel: + 40 21 405 08 80 - Fax: +40 21 405 08 86 epbucarest@europarl parlamentu, Palisády 29, SK-811 06 Bratislava Tel: +421 2 59 203295 - Fax: +421 5942 9687 epbratislava@europarl Tel: +386 1252 88 42 - Fax: +386 1 252 88 40 Tel: +34 91 436 47 30 - Fax: +34 91 578 31 71 epmadrid@europarl.europa.eu Tel: +34 93 272 20 44 - Fax: +34 93 272 20 45 prensa-es@europarl.europa.eu Tel: +46 8 562 444 61 - Fax: +46 8 562 444 99 Tel: +44 20 7227 4335 - Fax: +44 20 7227 4302 Fax: +44 20 7227 4301 (Library) - Fax: +44 20 7227 4327 (Press) Tel: +44 131 5577866 - Fax: +44 131 5574977 epedinburgh@europarl.europa.eu www.europarl.org.uk/view/en/office-edinburg.html P.48 Reporting Brussels

Council of the European Union Justus Lipsius building Rue de la Loi 175 B-1048 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 281 61 11 www.consilium.europa.eu 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

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)2 281 97 68 M: +32 (0)497 599 919 press.president@consilium.europa.eu 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 www.eu+currentyear.the initials of the country e.g. www.eu2012.dk. 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

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

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: http://video.consilium.europa.eu/ Video coverage of Council/European Council events is available for preview and download in broadcast quality (MPEG4) on: http://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu Central Press Office secretariat: Celine MONIN Tel. +32 (0)2 281 63 19 Fax +32 (0)2 281 80 26 press.office@consilium.europa.eu Philippe CRAPANZANO Tel: +32 (0)2 281 37 90 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 80 26 newsdesk@consilium.europa.eu Head of the Press Office: Nicolas KERLEROUX Tel: +32 (0)2 281 82 39 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 80 26 M: +32 (0)475 369 676 nicolas.kerleroux@consilium.europa.eu P.52 Reporting Brussels

Support to the European Council President: Deputy Spokesperson: Jesús CARMONA Tel: +32 (0)2 281 95 48 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 80 26 M: +32 (0)475 653 215 jesus.carmona@consilium.europa.eu Secretary : Carla VALTORTA Tel: +32 (0)2 281 63 98 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 80 26 carla.valtorta@consilium.europa.eu Secretariat: Tel: +32 (0)2 281 51 50 press.president@consilium.europa.eu Council Press Officers Economic and Financial Affairs, General Affairs: François HEAD Tel: +32 (0)2 281 60 83 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 80 26 M: +32 (0)475 953 807 francois.head@consilium.europa.eu Economic and Financial Affairs; General Affairs; Summits: Azadeh SHARAFSHAHI Tel. +32 (0)2 281 31 95 M +32 (0) 475 691 865 azadeh.sharafshahi@consilium.europa.eu Justice and Home Affairs and Counter-terrorism: Jochen MÜLLER Tel: +32 (0)2 281 89 14 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 80 26 M: +32 (0)477 974 224 jochen.mueller@consilium.europa.eu Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation : Susanne KIEFER Tel: +32 (0)2 281 94 42 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 80 26 M: +32 (0)473 923 308 susanne.kiefer@consilium.europa.eu Agriculture and Fisheries: Xavier PAVARD Tel. +32 (0)2 281 83 52 M: +32 (0)477 991 710 xavier.pavard@consilium.europa.eu Competitiveness (Industry, Research and Internal Market) : Víctor FLAVIAN Tel: +32 (0)2 281 67 15 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 80 26 M: +32 (0)473 640 390 victor.flavian@consilium.europa.eu Reporting Brussels P.53

TTE (Transport, Telecommunications, Energy) Telecommunications and Energy: Miriam VANČOVÁ Tel: +32 (0)2 281 97 76 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 80 26 M: +32 (0)473 640 377 miriam.vancova@consilium.europa.eu TTE (Transport, Telecommunications, Energy) - Transport: Reinhard SCHMIDT Tel: +32 (0)2 281 88 47 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 80 26 M: +32 (0)479 955 086 reinhard.schmidt@consilium.europa.eu Budget; Health and Consumer Affairs: Jérôme UNTERHUBER Tel: +32 (0)2 281 53 94 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 80 26 M: +32 (0) 473 923 628 jerome.unterhuber@consilium.europa.eu Employment, Social Policy : Evi LIASKOU Tel. +32 (0)2 281 52 72 M +32 (0) 470 960 477 evi.liaskou@consilium.europa.eu Education, Youth, Culture and Sport: Helena GOMES Tel. +32 (0)2 281 70 40 M +32 (0)479 955 079 helena.gomes@consilium.europa.eu Justice; Environment: Joaquín NOGUEROLES Tel. +32 (0)2 281 20 74 M: +32 (0)473 954 991 joaquin.nogueroles-garcia@consilium.europa.eu Crisis management mechanisms; Coordination of the public sessions of the Council; Videostreaming; Social media: Dana MANESCU Tel: +32 (0)2 281 44 77 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 80 26 M: +32 (0)473 923 477 dana.manescu@consilium.europa.eu Media Strategy and Policy - Virginie BATTU Tel: +32 (0)2 281 53 16 M +32 (0)470 182 405 virginie.battu@consilium.europa.eu Management, Projects - Zoltan SZELES Tel: +32 (0)2 281 31 94 zoltan.szeles@consilium.europa.eu P.54 Reporting Brussels

Audiovisual counsellor: Isabelle BRUSSELMANS Tel: +32 (0)2 281 57 13 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 80 26 M: +32 (0)475 753 406 isabelle.brusselmans@consilium.europa.eu Producer: Andrea DESORMEAUX Tel: +32 (0)2 281 67 16 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 80 26 M: +32 (0)477 973 552 Press centre Coreper II Councils / European Council: Margarete GILOT-KÖHLER Tel: +32 (0)2 281 65 50 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 85 41 margarete.gilot@consilium.europa.eu Coreper I Councils /Photo Department/European Council: Valerie GOLDSMITH Tel: +32 (0)2 281 89 69 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 50 65 M: +32 (0)476 762 156 valerie.goldsmith@consilium.europa.eu 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

Press officers at Permanent Representations Avenue de Cortenberg 30, B-1040 Brussels Alexander PAIER - Mobile: +32 (0)475 651 713 Tel: +32 (0)2 234 53 44 - Fax: +32 (0)2 235 63 44 alexander.paier@bmeia.gv.at Tel: +32 (0)234 52 15 - Fax: +32 (0)2 235 62 15 sonja.rosenberger@bmeia.gv.at www.bmeia.gv.at/en/austrian-mission/brussels.html Rue de la Loi 61-63, B-1040, Brussels Andrzej BIELECKI - Mobile: +32 (0)470 182 247 Tel: +32 (0)2 233 03 92 - Fax: +32 (0)2 233 03 20 Sq. Marie-Louise 49, Brussels 1000 Victoria MELAMED - Mobile: +32 (0)472 213 492 Tel: +32 (0)2 235 83 47 - Fax: +32 (0)2 374 91 88 Avenue de Cortenberg 61, B-1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 739 51 39 - Fax: +32 (0)2 736 65 73 mkoumides@pio.moi.gov.cy Tel: +32(0)2 739 51 70 sstephanidi@pio.moi.gov.cy www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/permrep/permrep_brussels.nsf Rue Caroly 15, B-1050 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 213 93 32 - Fax +32 (0)2 213 92 92 P.56 Reporting Brussels

Rue d Arlon 73, B-1040 Brussels Preben AAMANN (Coreper II) - Mobile: +32 (0)475 603 819 Tel: +32 (0)2 233 09 31 - Fax: +32 (0)2 233 08 92 preaam@um.dk Jakob ALVI (Coreper I) - Mobile: +32 (0)475 603 819 Rue Guimard 11/13, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 227 39 22 - Fax +32 (0)2 227 39 25 Rue de Trèves 100, B-1040 Brussel Jussi SEPPÄLÄ - Mobile: +32 (0)476 950 547 Tel: +32 (0)2 287 84 72 - Fax: +32 (0)2 287 84 05 Place de Louvain 14, B-1000 Brussels Gael VEYSSIERE - Mobile: +32 (0)475 579 095 Tel: +32 (0)2 229 82 78/77 - Fax: +32 (0)2 229 82 80 gael.veyssiere@diplomatie.gouv.fr Myriam SAINT-PIERRE - Mobile: +32 (0)478 882 935 Tel: +32 (0)2 229 82 84 - Fax: +32 (0)2 229 82 80 myriam.saint-pierre@diplomatie.gouv.fr Rue Jacques de Lalaing 8/14, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 787 10 70 - Fax: +32 (0)2 787 20 70 stefan.bredohl@diplo.de Tel: +32 (0)2 787 10 72 Reporting Brussels P.57

Avenue des Arts 39, 1040 Brussels Konstantinos PAPPAS - Mobile: +32 (0)473 514 034 Tel: +32 (0)2 235 03 75 - Fax: +32 (0)2 230 66 51 kpappas@gpo.be Tel: +32 (0)2 235 03 80 - Fax: +32 (0)2 230 66 51 Rue de Trèves 92-98, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 234 1313 - Fax: +32 (0)2 230 43 51 magda.jozan@kum.hu Tel: +32 (0)2 234 12 83 - Fax: +32 (0)2 230 43 51 Rue Froissart 50, B-1040 Brussels Deirdre FARRELL - Mobile: +32 (0)499 585 300 Tel: +32 (0)2 282 32 33 - Fax: +32 (0)2 230 31 88 deirdre.farrell@dfa.ie Tel: +32 (0)2 282 32 45 - Fax: +32 (0)2 230 31 88 Rue du Marteau 7-15, B-1000 Brussels Michelangelo NERINI - Mobile: +32 (0)492 610 172 Tel: +32 (0)2 220 04 32 - Fax: +32 (0)2 219 35 47 Avenue des Arts 23, B-1000 Brussels Inga SARSUNE - Tel: +32 (0)2 238 32 20 - Fax: +32 (0)2 238 32 50 Rue Belliard 41/43, B-1040 Brussels Vykintas PUGACIAUSKAS - Mobile: +32 (0)484 327 328 Tel: +32 (0)2 775 90 98 - Fax: +32 (0)2 513 45 97.mfa.lt P.58 Reporting Brussels

Avenue de Cortenberg 75, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 737 56 00 - Fax: +32 (0)2 737 56 10 - Tel: +352 (0)27 375 600 Rue Archimède 25, B-1000 Brussels Anis CASSAR - Mobile: +32 (0)497 647 311 Tel: +32 (0)2343 01 95 - Fax: +32 (0)2 343 01 06 Tel: +32 (0)2 679 15 09 - Fax: +32 (0)2 679 17 74 Avenue de Tervuren 282/284, B-1150 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 780 42 25 - Fax: +32 (0)2 780 42 97 kacper.chmielewski@msz.gov.pl Tel: +32 (0)2 780 42 61 - Fax: +32 (0)2 780 42 97 www.brukselaeu.polemb.net Avenue de Cortenbergh 12, 1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 286 43 00 - Fax: +32 (0)2 231 00 26 Rue Montoyer 12, B-1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 700 04 32 - Fax: +32 (0)2 700 06 41 raluca.norel@rpro.eu Avenue de Cortenberg 79, B-1000 Brussels Dagmar SULEJMANI - Mobile: +32 (0)479 397 488 Tel: +32 (0)2 743 68 07 - Fax: +32 (0)2 743 68 88 Reporting Brussels P.59

Rue du Commerce 44, 1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 213 63 25 - Fax: +32 (0)2 213 63 01 Boulevard du Régent 52, B-1000 Brussels Ana de Miguel LANGA - Mobile: +32 (0)476 460 723 Tel: +32 (0)2 509 86 42 - Fax: +32 (0)2 511 48 56 Square de Meeûs 30, B-1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 289 56 65 - Fax: +32 (0)2 289 57 32 elisabet.dahlen-jonsson@foreign.ministry.se Martina SMEDBERG - Mobile: +32 (0)475 245 660 Tel: +32 (0)2 289 56 55 - Fax: +32 (0)2 289 56 00 Avenue d Auderghem 10, B-1040 Brussels Aled WILLIAMS Tel: +32(0)2 287 82 12 - Fax: +32(0)2 287 83 98 aled.williams@fco.gov.uk Tel: +32 (0)2 287 82 06 - Fax: +32 (0)2 287 83 98 tim.foley@fco.gov.uk Nicola KELLY - Mobile: +32 (0)486 090 032 Tel: +32 (0)2 282 89 13 - Fax: +32 (0)2 287 83 98 P.60 Reporting Brussels

European External Action Service (EEAS) 1046 Brussels - Belgium Tel: +32 2 584 11 11 www.eeas.europa.eu 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 2009. 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)2 299 97 80 M: +32 (0)498 999 780 Fax: +32 (0)2 295 19 15 michael.mann@eeas.europa.eu Maja KOCIJANCIC Deputy Spokesperson BERL 1/328 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 65 70 M: +32 (0)498 984 425 Fax: +32 (0) 295 19 15 maja.kocijancic@ec.europa.eu Functional mailbox: COMM-SPP-HRVP-ASHTON@ec.europa.eu Reporting Brussels P.61

Sebastien BRABANT Deputy Spokesperson BERL 2/319 Tel: +32 (0)2298 64 33 M: +32 (0)460 750 998 Fax: +32 (0)2 295 19 15 sebastien.brabant@ec.europa.eu Functional mailbox: COMM-SPP-HRVP-ASHTON@ec.europa.eu Iulia COSTEA Assistant BERL 1/324 Tel: +32 (0)2 297 68 55 Fax: +32 (0)2 295 19 15 iulia.costea@ec.europa.eu Functional mailbox: COMM-SPP-HRVP-ASHTON@ec.europa.eu Delphine LIEVREMONT Assistant BERL 1/324 Tel: +32 (0)2 298 17 46 Fax: +32 (0)2 295 19 15 delphine.lievremont@ec.europa.eu Functional mailbox: COMM-SPP-HRVP-ASHTON@ec.europa.eu 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

European Central Bank Eurotower - Kaiserstrasse 29, D-60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Tel: +49 69 1344 0 www.ecb.int Director of Communication: Elisabeth elisabeth.ardaillon-poirier@ecb.int, Tel: +49 69 1344 7457 - regina.schuller@ecb.int Court of Justice of the European Union Palais de la Cour de Justice - Boulevard Konrad Adenauer Kirchberg, L-2925 Luxembourg - Tel: +352 4303 1 www.curia.europa.eu If journalists wish to attend a hearing or the delivery of a judgement, they must obtain prior accreditation: www.curia.europa.eu/jcms/jcms/jo_7054 Tel: +352 4303 2623 2035 Fax: +352 4303 2500 Tel: +352 4303 32053315 Fax: + 352 4303 3034 Tel: +352 4303 21703046 Fax: +352 4303 2988 Gitte STADLER Tel: + 352 4303 3127/2981 Fax: +352 4303 3656 Tel: + 352 4303 3255/3645 Fax: + 352 4303 2734 Tel: + 352 4303 2582 / 2180 (Greece and Cyprus) /3552 (Italy) - Fax: + 352 4303 2674 Reporting Brussels P.63

Tel: + 352 4303 3355 / 3366 Fax: + 352 4303 2731 Tel: + 352 4303 3667 / 3442 Fax: + 352 4303 2668 Tel: + 352 4303 2793 / 2878 Fax: + 352 4303 2053 Tel: + 352 4303 5499 / 3668 Fax: + 352 4303 2028 Tel: + 352 4303 3708 Fax: + 352 4303 4719 Tel: + 352 4303 3720 Fax: + 352 4303 3034 European Court of Auditors 12 Rue Alcide De Gasperi, L-1615 Luxembourg Tel: +352 439 81 www.eca.europa.eu Aidas PALUNBISKAS - M: +352 621 552 224 press@eca.europa.eu European Economic and Social Committee Rue Belliard 99, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32(0)2 546 90 11 www.eesc.europa.eu Tel: +32 (0)2 546 88 41 - Secretariat: +32 2 546 87 88 - Fax: +32 2 546 97 64 maciej.bury@eesc.europa.eu P.64 Reporting Brussels

Committee of the Regions Bâtiment Jacques Delors - Rue Belliard 101 - B-1040 Brussels Belgium Tel+32 (0)2 282 22 11 www.cor.europa.eu Tel: +32 (0)2 282 21 21 - Fax: +32 (0)2 282 21 09 christian.gsodam@cor.europa.eu European Investment Bank 100, Boulevard Konrad Adenauer - L-2950 Luxembourg Tel: +352 43 79 1 www.eib.org Tel: +352 43 79 83328 - Tel: +352 621 36 25 09 r.schlitt@eib.org Tel: +352 43 79 83340 - Tel: +352 621 45 91 59 Tel: +352 43 79 22000 - Fax: +352 4379 62000 Reporting Brussels P.65

European Ombudsman 1 Avenue du Président Robert Schuman - B.P. 403 FR-67001 Strasbourg Cedex Tel: +33 3 881 72313 www.ombudsman.europa.eu Tel: +32 (0)2 284 26 09 - Fax: +32 (0)2 284 49 14 - M: +32 (0)475 348 993 gundi.gadesmann@ombudsman.europa.eu European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) Rue Joseph II, 30 B-1049 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 298 82 51 - Fax: +32 (0)2 299 81 01 Eurostat, Statistical Office of the EU Bâtiment Jean Monnet, L-2920 Luxembourg, Luxembourg Tel: +352 4301 33444 www.epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu Tel: +352 (0)4301 33 444 - Fax: +352 (0)4301 35 349 eurostat-pressoffice@ec.europa.eu Tel: +352 (0)4301 33408 - Fax: +352 (0)430135349 eurostat-mediasupport@ec.europa.eu Tel: +352 (0)4301 33444 tim.allen@ec.europa.eu P.66 Reporting Brussels

EU Agencies Here below are the most important EU agencies. The whole list can be found on www.europa.eu/agencies Bâtiment Nouvel hémicycle, 1 rue du Fort Thüngen, L-1499 Luxembourg Tel: +352 42 17 11 1 - Fax: +352 42 17 11 220 Europe 123, GR-57001 Thessaloniki (Pylea), Greece Tel: +30 2310 490 111 - Fax: +30 23 10 49 00 49 gerd-oskar.baussewein@cedefop.europa.eu www.cedefop.gr Boulevard Maréchal Foch 3, 49101 ANGERS CEDEX 02, France Egnatia 4, Thessaloniki 54626, Greece Tomtebodavägen 11a, Solna, Sweden Tel: +468 586 01000 - Fax: +468 586 01001 Reporting Brussels P.67

Rue des Drapiers 17-23, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 504 28 22 Kongens Nytorv 6, 1050 Copenhagen K, Denmark Tel: +45 3336 7100 - Fax: +45-3336 7199 www.eea.europa.eu Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126 Parma- Italy Tel: +39 0521 036 149 - Fax: +39 0521 036 110 www.efsa.europa.eu Švitrigailos g. 11M, LT-03228 Vilnius, Lithuania Cais do Sodré 1249-289 Lisbon, Portugal Tel: +351 211 21 0200 - Fax: +351 21 813 1711 P.68 Reporting Brussels

Tel: +44 20 7418 8400 martin.harvey@emea.europa.eu Tel: +30 28 10 39 1280 - Fax:+30 28 10 39 1410 Ulf BERGSTRÖM - M: +30 6948 460 143 - Tel: +30 28 1039 1286 120, Rue Marc Lefranq 59300 Valenciennes, France Tel: +33 3 227 09 65 00 - Fax: +33 3 27 33 40 65 Villa Gualino, Viale Settimio Severo 65, I-10133 Torino, Italy Gran Via 33, E-48009 Bilbao, Spain Tel: +34 944 794 360 - Fax: +34 944 794 383 muller@osha.europa.eu In Brussels: Square de Meeûs 38/40, 1000 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 401 68 59 - Fax: +32 (0)2 401 68 68 Reporting Brussels P.69

Wayttville Road, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18, Ireland Tel: +353 12 04 31 00 - Fax: +353 12 82 64 56 mma@eurofound.europa.eu Avenue d Auderghem 20, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 280 64 76 - Tel: +32 (0)2 230 51 61 - Fax: +32 (0)2 280 64 79 www.eurofound.ie Tel: +31 70 302 5000 corporate.communications@europol.europa.eu Soren Kragh PEDERSEN - Tel: +31 70 30 25 118 Schwarzenbergplatz 11, AT-1040 Vienna, Austria Tel: +43 1 580 30 60 - Fax: +43 1 580 30 699 of the European Union Tel. (48 22) 544 9500 - Fax. (48 22) 544 95 01 (Trade Marks and Designs) Avenida de Europa 4, E-03008 Alicante, Spain Tel: +34 965 139 100 - Fax: +34 965 139 173 etienne.sanz@oami.europa.eu P.70 Reporting Brussels

International organisations Tel: +32 (0)2 743 06 00 - Fax: +32 (0)2 735 55 73 info@acp.int Press contact - Josephine LATU - Tel: +32 (0)2 743 06 17 Press contact - Andrew CUTTING Tel: +32 (0)2 230 41 70 - Fax +33 2 230 94 62 bureau.bruxelles@coe.int Avenue de l Europe, F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex, France Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 20 00 - Fax: +33 (0)3 88 41 39 11 Tel: +33(0)3 668 298 751 daniel.holtgen@coe.int Tel: +33 (0) 3 884 13481 European Court of Human Rights Council of Europe, F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex, France Tel: +33 (0)3 8841 2018 - Fax: +33(0)3 884 12730 ww.echr.coe.int Rue Joseph II, 12/16, B-1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 286 17 11 mail.bxl@efta.int Reporting Brussels P.71

Tel: +31 (0)70 512 8752, 5343, 5356 - Fax: +31 (0)70 512 5355 Tel: +31(0) 70 512 8752 5343 5356 Blvd Leopold III, B-1110 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 707 41 11 United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC Brussels) - Rue de la Loi 155, Block C2, 1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 788 84 84 - Fax: +32 (0)2 788 84 85 UN Information Centre for the Benelux Countries and the EU Rue Montoyer 14, B-1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 503 35 72 - Fax: +32 (0)2 503 46 24 unic@unbenelux.org P.72 Reporting Brussels

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 www.dodonline.co.uk) and in the EU stakeholder directory (www.stakeholder.eu). Avenue Louise 350, B-1050 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0)2 639 89 89 Avenue de Cortenbergh, 168, B-1000 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0)2 237 65 11 main@businesseurope.eu Senior adviser - Peter VERTESSY Tel: +32(0)2 237 65 03 www.businesseurope.eu Rue de Trèves, 61, B-1040 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0)2 287 27 11 info@copa-cogeca.eu Reporting Brussels P.73

53 Avenue des Arts, B-1000 Brussels Tel: 32 (0)2 213 08 70 - Fax: +32 (0)2 512 52 31 Press and Communications manager - Eva BÖCKLE Tel: +32 (0)2 213 08 90 - Fax: +32 (0)2 512 52 31 Eurochambres Rue des Nerviens 85, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 738 73 45 - M: +32 (0)485 886 647 communications@acea.be Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 6, B-1160 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0)2 676 72 11 fbi@cefic.be Press relations Manager - James PIEPER Rue de la Fusée 96, B-1130 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 729 35 01 - Fax: +32 (0)2 729 91 00 press@eurocontrol.int kyla.evans@eurocontrol.int Lucia PASQUINI P.74 Reporting Brussels

Rue D Arlon 80, B1040 Brussels, Tel: +32 (0)2 506 89 89 Media Contact - Philip SPRINGUEL philip.springuel@eufic.org Boulevard du Roi Albert II 5, B-1210 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 224 04 11 etuc@etuc.org www.etuc.org Boulevard du Roi Albert II, 5 box 4, B-1210 Brussels Tel: + 32(0)2 224 04 70 - Fax: + 32(0) 2 224 05 02 etui@etui.org dgregoire@etui.org Tel: +32 (0)2 217 90 20 - Fax +32 (0)2 219 84 51 ewl@womenlobby.org Reporting Brussels P.75

NGOs A selection can be found below: Tel: +32 (0)2 502 14 99 Human Rights Watch Avenue des Gaulois, 7, B-1040 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0)2 732 20 09 Square de Meeûs 18, B-1050 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 511 37 14 - Fax: +32 (0)2 511 19 09 Tel: +32 (0)2 548 04 90 Greenpeace EU Rue Belliard 199, B-1040 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0)2 274 19 00 Mundo-b Building, Rue d Edimbourg 26, B-1050 Brussels Tel: + 32 (0)2 893 10 10 - Fax: +32 (0)2 893 10 35 Avenue de Tervuren 168, 3rd floor, 1150 Brussels - Tel: +32 (0)2 743 88 00 www.wwf.eu Rue des Quatre-Vents, 60, 1080 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 501 67 00 - Fax: +32 (0)2 511 89 19 P.76 Reporting Brussels

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 33 1210 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 227 42 70 - Fax: +32 (0)2 227 42 10 Place du Congrès 1, B-1000 Brussels, Media enquiries : Marco INCERTI - M: +32 (0)485 485 435 Tel: +32 (0)2 229 39 11 - Tel : +32 (0)2 229 39 70 14 Great College Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3RX, UK Tel: + 44 20 7233 1199 - Fax: +44 20 7233 1117 Reporting Brussels P.77

Rue de Luxembourg 23, Bte 1, B-1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 506 40 00 info@cne.org Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi 155, B-1040 Brussels Andrew WILLIAMS - Tel : +32 (0)2 286 93 74 Bibliothèque Solvay, Parc Léopold, Rue Belliard 137, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 737 91 45 - Fax: +32 (0)2 738 75 97 Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi 155 Westraat, B-1040 Brussels. Tel: +32 (0)2 238 52 70 - Fax: +32 (0)2 238 52 99 P.78 Reporting Brussels

International Press Centre, Residence Palace, Block C, 155 Rue de la Loi B-1040 Brussels. Tel +32 (0)2 647 95 75 - Fax: +32 (0)2 640 98 28 19 Rue de Milan, 75009 Paris, France Information Sources - Brussels-based media: (www.european-voice.com) (www.europolitics.info) Reporting Brussels P.79

(www.agenceeurope.com) (www.theparliament.com). (www.neurope.eu) Web-based information sources www.euobserver.com www.euractiv.com www.eubusiness.com www.bbc.co.uk/news P.80 Reporting Brussels

European wide news Channels Euronews (www.euronews.net) 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-2008. 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. www.natochannel.tv www.europarltv.europa.eu The European Parliament has a TV channel and the main political groups have also their own, making four in total. Reporting Brussels P.81

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)2 299 47 70 or by e-mail: comm-pressroom-team@ec.europa.eu 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)2 299 01 70 - Fax: +32 (0)2 299 47 70 pier.soldati@ec.europa.eu P.82 Reporting Brussels

Even if you ask the Commission for a common accreditation to the three institutions, you are advised to give your e-mail 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)2 284 20 23, 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)2 285 85 41 or by e-mail: press.office@consilium.europa.eu to the Council Press Centre, with copies of the Reporting Brussels P.83

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 www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_47798.htm?mode=pressrelease Tel: +32 (0)2 707 50 38 press@hq.nato.int Address: Boulevard Léopold III, B-1110 Brussels. Documents needed for permanent accreditation: and two passport photographs P.84 Reporting Brussels

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)2 501 80 68 Tel: +32 (0)2 501 84 07 - Fax: +32 (0)2 513 25 46 presse@diplobel.fed.be pers@diplobel.fed.be Address: Rue des Petits Carmes 15, B-1000 Brussels The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a mailing list. You can register at: www.diplomatie.be 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 09.00 to 13.00, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Please call for an appointment. Rue de la Loi 155, B-1040 Brussels, info@api-ipa.eu. Reporting Brussels P.85

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

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 (www.brusselspressclub.eu). 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

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

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

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)2 572 57 57 bct.cd.bruxelles.etr@minfin.fed.be 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

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 2009. 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

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 70-30 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

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 70-30 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 www.expatica.com. Reporting Brussels P.93

Media Organisations in Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 235 22 24 - Tel: +32 (0)2 235 23 44 - Tel: +32 (0)2 235 21 11 - P.94 Reporting Brussels

associations present in Brussels Residence Palace, block C/3205, Rue de la Loi 155, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 235 23 46 Tel: +32 (0)2 235 22 00 - Tel: +32 (0)2 235 22 00 - Tel: +32 (0)2 235 22 70 - Reporting Brussels P.95

(From September 2012 on: rue de la Senne 21, 1000 Brussels) Tel: +32 (0)2 235 22 60 - (From September 2012 on: rue de la Senne 21, 1000 Brussels) Tel: +32 (0)2 235 22 60/70 Tel: +44 20 7278 7916 - Fax: +44 20 7837 8143 - info@nuj.org.uk NUJ in Brussels: www.nujcec.org/brussels Tel: +32 (0)478 291 985 - www.aej.org P.96 Reporting Brussels

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