Five decades of supporting journalists

The Association de la Presse Internationale – International Press Association (API-IPA) marked its 50th anniversary this week (10 July), celebrating five decades of supporting journalists in Brussels.

“We honour 50 years of API’s volunteer-driven efforts to defend correspondents’ interests,” said Dafydd ab Iago, API-IPA president. “Brussels is kinder to journalists than places like Hungary, Slovakia.

"We're so much safer here than in Gaza — where nearly 200 media colleagues have been killed since Oct. 7, 2023. But challenges remain, even in Brussels.”

Since 1975, API has expanded to represent 400 members among 1,200 EU-accredited media professionals in Brussels, including audiovisual teams.

Much of what API does is discreet. API has supported thousands of colleagues through the various accreditation procedures.

Until today, API’s focus as the representative organisation of Brussels based correspondents, has remained squarely upon ensuring colleagues are able to report unhindered and get meaningful answers from the EU, NATO and Belgian authorities.

“Some mutter: 'API is always complaining'. And they’re right. But that’s our job,” said ab Iago.

Recently, API raised concerns about bureaucratic overreach and misinterpretation of EU sanctions, with one member journalist expelled from Belgium.

"Likewise, another member faces potential expulsion next month, due to this misinterpretation of press accreditation. Brussels isn’t perfect,” ab Iago said.

“Colleagues have also faced legal threats for reporting on matters like alleged corruption and evasion of EU sanctions; however, reporters outside Brussels have faced worse fates. Reporting on such matters, also in connection to EU funds, led to the murders of Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta and Ján Kuciak in Slovakia.”

API also fosters our professional community through actions such as helping incoming journalists to accredit as well as newcomer briefings. API Hours were launched in 2012, with a notable interview with former Commissioner John Dalli. API Hours have been going strong to this today.

Looking ahead to the next 50 years, API will ensure the continued presence of trusted journalists, physically reporting from Brussels on the EU, NATO, and Belgium. “That's not given with ever greater media-consolidation, shrinking newsrooms, disinformation and growing AI impact on journalism,” ab Iago said.

Founded in 1975, API-IPA represents EU, NATO and Belgium accredited members of the Brussels press corps.

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