Information
 
Information
 
Help Page

Hear all, see all and say it all
and let us help you

1 - The website and registration

  1. Why an AV Website?

Launched to specifically meet the demands of media professionals, the European Parliament Audiovisual Website gives easy access to the diverse media (audio, video and photo) produced by the European Parliament.  It also explains the extensive range of AV facilities, how to get accreditation, book facilities or order archive material from our media library. All the information to facilitate coverage of the activities of the European Parliament is compiled here in one website.

  1. What is the added value of this website?

The audiovisual website is intended to make life easier for media professionals wanting to cover the activities of the European Parliament and access its services and facilities all in one place. The site is also built around a powerful FTP server which allows the fast and smooth transferral of heavy files, in particular video material in broadcast quality.

  1. Who can register for the website?

Anyone can register on the website although it mainly targets media professionals, NGOs, teachers, students, MEPs, staff of the European Parliament and other EU institutions. There are three profiles available on the registration page: one for general users, one for media professionals and one for MEPs which give access to different services.

  1. Why should I register?

The content on the website is visible to everyone, but to download material and have access to the facilities, you must register. The information requested for the registration procedure, in particular of media professionals, corresponds to the usual information required for traditional accreditation at the European Parliament.

  1. How can I register?

Go to the registration page via the green register herebutton (top right corner of the home page) or through the main banner under the rotating media carousel. After you fill in the registration form, you will receive an email with an activation link. If you do not receive this mail check your SPAM folder or contact the webmaster.

  1. I forgot my password, what should I do?

There is a forgotten password link in the upper right corner of the website.
Enter your email address (which you always use as a login) and the system will send you a new password.

  1. How can I change my password?

Go to your Personal Workspace and click on My profile. At the bottom is a Change your password option.

  1. Do I have to register twice if I'm a TV & radio journalist?

One single account gives you access to all media and facilities.


2 -Information for media professionals

  1. What is the news alert?

The news alert highlights the priorities of EP activities and the media packages we offer to professionals on a weekly basis. EbS coverage is also announced, live or recorded.

  1. What are media packages?

Media packages contain illustrative footage, photo and audio related to the news item highlighted in the news alert. Media packages can also include Infoclips, stockshots, B-rolls, audio statements, photos, europarlTV items etc.

  1. Planned coverage in the pipeline?

Media professionals can consult upcoming events in News alert section on the top right by clicking on the view all button at the bottom of the section.


3 - The FTP / Personal Workspace, downloading and uploading

  1. What does an FTP server do?

It allows you to download files easily and offers the best way of sending large files from one computer to another over the internet.

  1. What is the name of the host server and how can I access it?

To access the Audiovisual FTP server via an FTP client, use the following credentials:

Host name: 212.8.172.24

Login: yourlogin@sample.com

Password: the password you have chosen

  1. What is an FTP personal workspace?

It is a special folder created for you on our audiovisual server when you register as a media professional. It acts as a 'virtual external hard drive'. All files you select to download or request from our Media Library are sent to your personal workspace.

  1. Can I share my Personal Workspace?

Yes, the same account can be used by different people by sharing the username and password. For the registration form it is therefore advisable to use a generic mailbox (e.g. info@.....) and not your personal mail address.

  1. How long do the media files stay in my Personal Workspace?

The requested media files are erased after 15 days.

  1. Which standards of downloading are available?

  • Video

2 formats in mpg4-H264 codec:

    • High resolution (4Mb/sec) and Low resolution (460kb/sec)

  • Photo

    • Formats: .jpg .eps and .gif

    • Quality: we only distribute print quality format

  • Audio

    • Formats: Digital MP3 for files with original language version

High resolution (bit rate 128 kb/sec) or Low resolution

    • ASF available for files containing an audio track of other languages (interpreter's voice-over)

  1. Can I download several media files at the same time?

Yes, just select the items you need and add them to your cart; then go to 'my selection' and download them all in one go.

  1. I haven't received the download confirmation mail, what should I do?

Take a look in your SPAM folder or contact the webmaster.

  1. Can I upload media? How?

In specific cases you can upload files using our FTP server. If you need FTP upload enabled, please contact us.


4 - Media Library

  1. Is the entire Media Library available on the website?

No, at the moment only part of our vast collection (which spans almost 60 years of European history) is on our website and it is mainly related to the activities of the 7th legislative term (2009-2014). You can also find a selection of items on historical events in the timeline section, under the Multimedia Library button in the TOP menu.

  1. How can I get archived material?

You can search for archive material first through the search engine of the site and refine your search through various filters. If you are unable to find what you are looking for please follow the instructions below:

  • Video

After registration you can fill in the request form in the Media Library section (TOP menu)

  • Photo
    Photos from 1960 until now are being digitalised and added to the website database.
    If you cannot find a photo you are looking for, please contact:
    photobookings@europarl.europa.eu

  • Audio

At this stage only a selection of audio files is available on the website. 

If you can not find a file you are looking for, please contact: radiobookings@europarl.europa.eu

  1. Can I get archived media on a support?

Yes, we can offer you copies of archive material on various support types and file formats according to your request via the website.

  1. Which formats can you provide?

  • Video

  • Support: Beta SP, Beta SX, DV Cam, DVC Pro, Mini DV, XDCAM, DVD

  • File Format: AVI, DV25, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, Quicktime, WMV

When completing the request form in the Media Library section, you can specify the use of the material (web or broadcast editing) and the means of sending the material.

  • Photo

Please contact: photobookings@europarl.europa.eu

  • Audio

Please contact; radiobookings@europarl.europa.eu


5 - Copyright

  1. What are the copyright rules for EP media?

Unless otherwise indicated, all the material available on the European Parliament AV website is European Union copyrighted: © European Union - European Parliament

  1. Is the material available on this website completely free of charge?

All the material available on the website is offered free of charge for EU-related information and educational purposes (unless otherwise specified). For commercial use prior agreement must be obtained from the Media Library of the European Parliament. The sale or loan of this material for profit is prohibited. Indication of origin is requested in the credit:

© European Union - European Parliament


6 - Accreditations, assistance

  1. How do I get accreditation to enter the premises of the Parliament? What's the procedure and requirement?

You can get accreditation via the website. Log in as a media professional to find the accreditation form under About us/Accreditation - Planning a visit. Send us the filled in form and you will receive notification by email. You can collect your accreditation on the day of your arrival.


  1. I already have permanent accreditation; do I need a filming permit?

Yes, even if you have permanent accreditation to the EP you still need to be accredited by the Audiovisual Unit to be able to film and photograph.


  1. Are there specific rules for photographers and TV crews in the EP buildings?

Yes, the guidelines are stipulated in the 'Rules governing photographers and television crews inside the buildings of the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg', which you can find at the bottom of your accreditation form. You will need to sign a copy of the rules upon your arrival at the Parliament.


7 - Bookings

  1. Who can book facilities?

Our facilities are provided free of charge to all accredited media professionals, subject tocertain terms and conditions of use and availability, which you can find on the website in the Rules section of the drop down menu of the Video button in the Top menu.

  1. What are the conditions?

Request for technical assistance will be met on a 'first come, first served' basis and must meet the following conditions of use:

  • for news coverage of the European Parliament and its activities

  • for coverage of MEPs

  • for coverage of ongoing themes and/or topical issues related to the activities of the European Parliament

  1. How to book our facilities

    1. Television

Television facilities are available to media professionals. Pre-booking requests should be submitted through the website by filling in the form under Facilities in the TOP menu. For subsequent bookings, you should always log on before booking online. Your personal data is automatically stored in the system. You will receive notification by e-mail that we have received your request. If you encounter problems with your online booking or to check availability you can contact the TV Bookings team directly:

Telephone: 0032 2 28 42010

Email: tvbookings@europarl.europa.eu.

    1. Photo shoot

Media professionals, MEPs, EP services and other EU institutions are allowed to book a photo shoot. Photo bookings should be made by filling in the online booking form via the website. The forms can be found in the Photosection of the TOP Menu.

    1. Voxbox/Radio studios

Media professionals and MEPs are allowed to book the Voxbox facilities and radio studios. Voxbox bookings should be made by filling in the online booking form via the website. The form can be found in the Audio section of the Top Menu. You will receive notification by e-mail that we have received your request. The Voxbox/Radio team will contact you for confirmation.

  1. I can't find the booking forms on the site anymore

Either you have forgotten to log in (as a media professional) or your time has expired and you have to log in again.


8- Links to other sources of information, other EU Institutions

  1. What is the difference between europarltv and the AV website?

The AV website and europarltv are complementary: the AV website targets media professionals and provides mostly unedited material, while europarltv is aimed at the general public and provides ready-to-broadcast videos addressed to a general audience.

The AV Website's texts are drafted in English; europarltv items are subtitled in 23 languages.

The AV website is the main gate for booking facilities and services provided by the EP's Audiovisual Service while europarltv does not offer this opportunity.
The AV website showcases europarltv videos on the homepage.

  1. Can I access the audiovisual website via the Europarl website?

You can access the AV website from the News/Press Service page- (quick links in left column): http://www.europarl.europa.eu/en/pressroom/

  1. What is the difference between EP Live Streaming and VOD and the audiovisual website?

The audiovisual website provides a link only to the Live Streaming and (VOD) services of the European parliament. To access this service click on the EP Streaming button in the TOP menu of the website.

Live streaming and VOD refer to the web broadcasting of events filmed on the premises of the European Parliament. You can watch them either live, or in recorded format. The live broadcast is called "Live" and the recorded broadcast is called "VOD" (Video-on-Demand).


8 - Helpdesk & support

  1. Who do I contact if I need assistance?

Contact details (telephone numbers and email addresses) can be found on various pages of our website, according to the different sections. You can also contact the webmaster of the AV website at audiovisual.website@europarl.europa.eu