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ESK Reacts to 'Downgrading' of Journalist Identity by Cypriot EU Presidency

Published February 17, 2026, 13:00
ESK Reacts to 'Downgrading' of Journalist Identity by Cypriot EU Presidency

The Union of Cyprus Journalists (ESK) has strongly reacted to the requirement of the Cypriot EU Council Presidency to recognize only the press card issued by the Press and Information Office (PIO) for the accreditation of Cypriot journalists. The ESK considers this a downgrading and non-recognition of its own press card, which, like that of the PIO, is valid and recognized in Cyprus. The ESK has already informed the European Federation of Journalists, which sent a protest to the Cypriot authorities on February 12, 2026, which remains unanswered. The Federation is requesting the explicit recognition of the ESK's press card in all accreditation procedures and ensuring that no journalist with an ESK card is excluded. The ESK points out that in other cases, such as subsidy schemes, both cards are accepted. It also complains that its letters to the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, did not receive a substantive response, but a referral to the Ministry of Interior. The ESK expresses its surprise as to why Cypriot journalists with an ESK card are not recognized in their own country, while foreign journalists are accredited with the cards of their associations. It calls for immediate corrective action from the competent authorities, emphasizing that this situation exposes Cyprus at the European level.

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