The European Council will make the access to the Lipsius and Europa buildings for accredited journalists a bit easier, something API has asked for sometime ago. The inter-institutional (yellow) badge will be ‘upgraded’ for that purpose.
Until now, upon entering the Council premises, yellow badge holders receive from a security guard a white, blank card that has to be used to activate the revolving doors on exit. This white card will no longer be handed out. Instead, you will be able to use your inter-institutional yellow media badge to activate the turnstiles and speed gates, including those at the passerelle between the Europa and Lipsius building which will be operational soon.
But your badge first has to be activated for this purpose. In order to have this done you need to present yourself at the “permanent badge” desk in the main reception hall in the Lipsius building where your badge will be programmed. It will also be necessary to have your photo taken on the spot. The “permanent badge” desk is open from 7.30 to 19.00. If you have any questions, please contact the press centre on +32 2 281 9000 or by email presse.centre@consilium.europa.eu
The Council press service has also informed us that later this year the six month badge for European Council meetings will be replaced by a badge that will be valid for one year. More information about this will follow in the coming months.
