Rules governing photographers and television crews inside the buildings of the European Parliament in Brussels and in Strasbourg (Decision of the bureau of 17 December 1997) Article 1 Outside television crews and photographers must be in possession of a permit for their activities issued by the European Parliament's audiovisual unit. They shall be supplied with a copy of these rules and shall sign an undertaking to comply with them. Article 2 Filming and photography and sound recordings are permitted subject to the following conditions: A. CHAMBERS During part-sessions, film cameramen and photographers have access to the gallery overlooking the Chamber provided that they are in possession of a pass bearing the letter T (for Tribune) valid for the whole of the part-session, issued by the audiovisual division. The use of flashes or extra lights is prohibited in the gallery. B. OTHER AREAS - in all press conferences; - in meeting rooms, with the prior authorisation of the chairman of the meeting and a majority of the members present; - in Members´offices, with the prior authorisation of the Member concerned and in his or her presence; - The Member must complete the access form annexed to these rules; - In the entrance halls (lobbies), the area around the Chamber, corridors, passageways and other public areas. Article 3 Activities of film cameramen and photographers shall have due regard to the personal dignity and privacy of all individuals present within the buildings. Filming and photography are strictly prohibited: - in the restaurants and bars; - around the security equipment at the entrances to the buildings; - in areas and offices reserved for parliamentary services, including those allocated to the Members financial affairs division; Article 4 The use of hidden cameras and sound recording equipment is prohibited On the authority of the Quaestors, the security division shall be authorised after consultation with the Association de la Presse Internationale (API) to enforce a ban and where necessary, to remove television crews and photographers. In such cases, the audiovisual unit shall be informed without delay.

Gestrichen wäre damit die geplante willkürliche Festlegung von neuen Sperrzonen. Doch der Zusatz zu Artikel 4 birgt weiterhin Zündstoff: Wie lange soll der "ban" gelten - nur für den Tag oder länger? Hat der betroffene Journalist das Recht, gehört zu werden und allenfalls die Möglichkeit, Berufung einzulegen?  Hat die Journalistenvereinigung (API) nur das Recht, gehört zu werden oder kann sie mitentscheiden? ETI wird weiter berichten.

ETI-Meldung vom 31.3.2005