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Brussels-based foreign correspondents association API-IPA says it has taken note of the European Commission’s formal reply to a case involving the European Ombudsman.
The case concerns how the European Commission dealt with the request by a journalist working at a news agency to be added to a mailing list for embargoed press releases, specifically for Eurostat’s Euro indicators, which provide regular economic statistical information.
The ombudsman said Eurostat, which is part of the Commission, refused to add the journalist to the list because it stated only journalists or agencies who had been granted media accreditation by the Commission could be included on such distribution lists.
The ombudsman, Teresa Anjinho, said it was not possible for the journalist or his news agency to receive accreditation, because they did not meet one of the preconditions, namely that the agency or a journalist at the agency is domiciled in Belgium.
“The complainant contended that this practice was discriminatory and meant that only larger media organisations with sufficient financial resources that could afford to have journalists in Belgium could receive embargoed information,” said the ombudsman.
API-IPA, in its statement on Friday, said it “regrets the Commission’s decision to abolish embargoed distributions for Eurostat’s Euro indicators rather than address legitimate concerns through sensible reform.”
“This is a missed opportunity to reinforce responsible journalism in the EU capital,” said API-IPA President Dafydd ab Iago.
“Embargo systems exist precisely to guarantee fair, equal access to sensitive information until official release. Dismantling these systems risks fragmenting access to essential EU data and encouraging selective leaks to favoured media.”
API-IPA said it emphasises that maintaining press materials under strict embargo for EU-accredited correspondents in Brussels is not discriminatory toward outlets without a local presence.
“Any journalist in Washington, Wuhan — or even Waikerie and Wasco — can access and report this information the moment an embargo lifts,” ab Iago noted. “The system ensures simultaneous, fair disclosure for all, not privilege for a few.”
The statement goes on, “The Ombudsman’s maladministration finding in this case regrettably reflects a flawed interpretation of both freedom of information and equal treatment for journalists.”
It says, “It overlooks the longstanding trust placed in EU-accredited correspondents, who are:
– Independently vetted by Belgian security services under Regulation 223/2009.
– Accountable through peer review and by-lined reporting.
– Physically present and sanctionable in Brussels for embargo breaches, including through restricted access to briefings, events, and informal engagement with EU officials.”
Since 1975, API-IPA says it has “consistently opposed selective leaks by EU officials and defended embargo systems as essential to guaranteeing equal conditions for all media, while preventing unfair advantages for financial actors or pay-walled services.”
The association has urged the European Commission to reconsider its approach in the interest of preserving journalistic integrity, accountability, and equal access within the EU press corps.
