The European Parliament Implements Stricter Access Rules for Outsiders
The European Parliament is set to tighten access for journalists, lobbyists, and diplomats starting next week. A new color-coded badge system will restrict these outsiders from freely navigating buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg, reports 24brussels.
Under the new regulations, each week will be designated by a specific color on the Parliament’s calendar: red for plenary sessions, blue for political group meetings, pink for committee meetings, and white for quiet weeks during summer recess or Christmas break. Access during white weeks will require an invitation signed by a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).
In Brussels, such invitations will also be necessary for visiting any building outside the main Altiero Spinelli and József Antall blocks, regardless of the week. In Strasbourg, access will be restricted outside plenary sessions as well as in lawmakers’ office areas.
“The changes introduced to the rules … are part of a broader reform aligning with Parliament’s commitment to ensure transparency, accountability, and public trust,” the institution stated. The new rules will take effect on September 1.
However, the implications of these rules have raised concerns among lobbyists. Several have criticized the changes as counterproductive, suggesting they will disproportionately affect smaller NGOs instead of large corporations. “Who loses the most? Grassroots organizations, NGOs, and independent experts, the very voices that already face structural disadvantages compared to well-funded corporate lobbies,” stated Isabella Sofia De Gregorio, executive director of EDUXO Italia, in a LinkedIn post.
Jakub Zientala, founder of the consultancy UNGovern, labeled the changes as “another bureaucratic hurdle in Brussels.” He further commented, “One more barrier for transparent dialogue between policymakers and stakeholders. Instead of encouraging openness, the Parliament adds layers of bureaucracy that mainly hurt smaller organizations, NGOs, and independent experts — the very voices that struggle most to be heard.”
These new restrictions follow recent scandals like Qatargate and Huaweigate, which have scrutinized the European Parliament’s transparency and the influence of lobbyists over MEPs. In May, the Parliament mandated that lobbyists activate their badges on every visit and clarify the purpose of their attendance.
The European Parliament has not promptly addressed requests for comments concerning the implementation of these new rules.
