Union of Cyprus Journalists challenges government accreditation procedures

The Union of Cyprus Journalists (UCJ) has formally requested an ex officio examination by the House Interior Committee regarding media accreditation for the upcoming Cyprus EU Council Presidency. The conflict stems from the Ministry of Interior's decision to designate the Press and Information Office (PIO) as the exclusive authority for journalist accreditation, rejecting the use of UCJ-issued press cards. The union argues that the state is relying on an inactive 1989 law that does not account for modern digital, television, or radio media. Furthermore, the UCJ claims this law mandates an independent press council that has never been established. The union contends that the government is failing to comply with Council of Europe Recommendation 2016/4, which recognizes union-issued credentials. They have labeled the state's move as an act of administrative arbitrariness and a threat to press freedom. The UCJ is now urging political factions to support their demand for transparency and the recognition of independent journalistic self-regulation.