Permanent Accreditation Renewal

Renewal procedure for 2012

Persons who received a permanent media accreditation in 2011 must submit a 'simplified renewal' request by contacting Mr. Thomas Bellanger (bellanger.thomas@hq.nato.int or +32.2.707.1431). Their badge issued in 2011 will no longer be valid after end-February 2012.
 
Persons who hold a permanent media accreditation provided by NATO before 2011 must submit to a 'normal renewal' process. Their badge issued before 2011 will no longer be valid after end-February 2012. These are the four elements needed to renew permanent accreditation.

1/ An original letter of assignment on official letterhead of a media organisation signed by the Publisher or Editor-in-Chief, dated in 2011 or early 2012, must be provided to the NATO Press & Media Section, Boulevard Leopold III, 1110 Brussels (Attention: Mr. Damien Arnaud). This must be the original letter – a copy or fax will not be accepted. This can be sent by post or handed over in person. (an email to the NATO Press office is to be sent when the media representative has posted his/her documents in order to alert us).

2/ It must be accompanied by a copy of a valid press card (provided either by the Belgium government or by a recognised national professional body of a NATO country.- i.e.Government, Professional Association, Union…..).

3/ if the press card is not from the Belgian authorities but from another NATO country national body, then a proof of residence in Belgium must also be sent to the above address, for instance a copy of a rental lease in your name.

4/ An email is to be sent to press@hq.nato.int providing confirmation that the media representative’s online profile is up-to-date (https://my.hq.nato.int) . The password was provided by the journalist at the time he/she created his/her online account. If he/she has forgotten it, he/she can obtain a new one online or by contacting the NATO Pass Office (press@hq.nato.int).  The Brussels Press Office will inform him or her when his/her 2012 badge is ready to be picked up at the NATO Pass Office. Upon visiting the NATO pass office, the following will be needed :
 
Your old permanent badge AND a valid national identification card or passport AND
 
A Belgian Foreign Ministry or Interior Ministry Press Card OR a valid press card issued by another NATO Ally authority and proof of residence in Belgium (original. Please note that the yellow Press cards from the European Institutions are not recognised).
 
Freelance Journalists resident in Belgium and holding a recognised valid press card may be granted permanent accreditation without a letter of assignment by a recognised media, on production of copies of recent publications on International and/or NATO Affairs. Please contact the Press & Media Section.
 
Online Media must meet the following additional requirements.

• The website must be a professionnal online site belonging to a recognised media organisation and have a specific, verifiable street address and telephone number.
• The website must have at least 60% original news content or commentary or analysis, including coverage of international or NATO-related issues
• Online media applicants  are required to submit two by-lined articles within the past month that were posted on the website.
• The website must be updated at a minimum once per week
• Online publications which are communications outreach or advocacy publications of non-governmental or non-profit organisations do not qualify for media accreditation.

Note on bona fide media organisation

The NATO Press & Media Section must be satisfied that the individuals applying for or renewing permanent accreditation at NATO is are media professionals and represent bona fide media organisations.

Accreditation for new applicants will only be given on proof of a track record of reporting for media organisations on International affairs. Media accreditation is not accorded to the information outlets of non-governmental organisations.

Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decisions of NATO are final.

The Press & Media Section of NATO reserves the right to deny or withdraw accreditation of journalists from media organisations who abuse the privileges so extended or put the accreditation to improper use or act in a way not consistent with the principles of the organisation.
 
Any queries can be addressed to Thomas Bellanger, bellanger.thomas@hq.nato.int.

New Requests for Permanent Accreditation

Procedures for how to enter a new request are detailed on the NATO website. Click here for more details. 
 
NATO encourages media to request permanent accreditation to the Headquarters in Brussels. This enables easier access on site and permits use of a filing centre permanently available to media.

The API/IPA and Brussels-based international organisations like NATO cooperate closely on accreditation policy and IPA can be contacted by media representatives for queries or for more information.