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February 17, 2026 – Greece –
The Cyprus Journalists Union (ESK) has publicly criticised authorities for failing to recognise national press cards as valid accreditation for media coverage during Cyprus’s ongoing European Union Presidency, saying the requirement for separate state-issued credentials is burdensome and undermines press freedom. The protests, taking place in February 2026, reflect growing concern among Cyprus’s media community about unequal treatment and unnecessary barriers to reporting on high-level EU events.
According to ESK, established press cards issued by recognised professional bodies — including those used by journalists covering major events domestically and internationally — were not accepted by some authorities overseeing accreditation for official EU Presidency activities. Instead, some journalists were told they needed additional state-issued press cards specific to the presidency, a requirement the union says is unjustified and discriminatory.
ESK’s complaint emphasises that Cyprus is bound by EU media access norms, and that the press should be able to rely on widely recognised identifiers without facing duplicative procedural hurdles. Union leaders told Politis and other outlets that the additional requirement places unnecessary administrative strain on journalists, especially freelancers and small-outlet reporters who may lack immediate access to government-issued accreditation processes.
The issue has sparked debate in Cyprus’s media community because it affects coverage of key events tied to the EU Presidency, including political summits, international delegations, and public policy announcements. Journalists have argued that press access should be facilitated, not restricted, during such high-profile proceedings — particularly when international audiences closely watch the EU agenda.
Officials involved in the accreditation process have not publicly elaborated on why national press cards were dismissed in favour of state press cards for certain events, but union representatives say the practice could erode trust between the media and public authorities. ESK has called on the relevant ministries and EU Presidency coordinators to revise the accreditation criteria to accept professional press credentials without additional layers.
Media rights advocates also contended that inclusive and non-discriminatory accreditation supports transparency and democratic engagement, and that lifting redundant requirements would help ensure broad newsroom participation in covering government and EU activities. Journalists continue to press for clarification and a swift resolution to ensure fair access throughout Cyprus’s EU Presidency tenure.
Reference –
https://www.newsincyprus.com/news/619435/cyprus-journalists-union-protests-over-press-card-validity
https://cyprus-mail.com/2026/02/17/cyprus-journalists-union-protests-over-press-card-validity
