From Tuesday 14 April, EU-accredited journalists will be able to ask questions in real-time and do follow-ups during the European Commission’s daily Midday briefing! The Commission’s Spokesperson Service will that day launch an interactive system to run briefings and press conferences.
Since the lockdown caused by the coronavirus, there have been no physical briefings and press conferences; journalists had to send in their questions by e-mail 90 minutes before the start of the briefings. API-IPA has for several weeks been insisting on launching a virtual interactive press room.
We are very happy that our requests have now been met. A big thanks for that to chief spokesperson Eric Mamer and his team, who have done and do their best to help journalists under difficult circumstances.
This Friday, 10 April, API-IPA took part in a successful trial of the new #Webex system, which is not complicated and quite easy to access. Journalists will have to install an app on their mobile devices or a desktop app on their PC’s.
Of course, we will all have to learn how to use it. In order to guarantee the smooth transition API-IPA agreed with the SPP that the interactive virtual press room will be fully operational in a couple of days, possibly not more than a week. Until then the opportunity to ask questions via e-mail will remain.
EU-accredited journalists only will receive an e-mail from the SPP with instructions on how to register for access and how to use the system.
See also: https://twitter.com/apibrussels/status/1248639305469374468?s=20
