Inform yourself in three minutes: Figures, data & facts about EPF get to know EPF with the following information. If you still have any further questions after you have read the following information please contact us via email: Contact

The European Press Federation was founded by experienced press professionals, journalists and experts in the field and has developed in a very short period of time into an association representing the interests and careers of a large number of members. The association promotes journalistic activities, cultivates international contacts within the media and press sectors and understands itself to be a non-materialistic, internationally active and neutral career association, independent of trade unions, which represents the occupational, legal and social interests of authors, people responsible for PR, press photographers, representatives of the press and journalists against third parties. This applies for both those with regular employment as well as part-time and freelance representatives of the media.


• To the top

You can complete the application in a few moments online. To do this just click on the button “register”, the rest will be explained in the online application form. Do you want to make the application by post? No problem! To do this just click on the button “register” and then on “Apply by post”. You can then print the form, fill it in and send it to EPF – that’s all, print, fill in and post. Done!


• To the top

As a service orientated career and branch representative, the European Press Federation e.V. is developing amongst other things as press portals, journalistic databases, recommendations for start-ups, career models and contract specimens. A diversity of consultation services, a PDF library, issuing of international press cards, job offers, media supply, working materials, homepages, trade literature and much more complete our considerable service offer. The EPF is an innovator, provider of ideas and know-how pools for Journalists. A membership with EPF also means: powerful representation of your interests, strong networks, unbureaucratic, comprehensive and competent service. You will receive assistance concerning concrete work methods, for example how you can work successfully as a part-time journalist. The know-how concerning how to successfully market your journalistic activities or how to win clients will be provided by EPF.


• To the top

Of course! Part-time journalists often deliver work which is just as valuable as that of their full-time colleagues. A part-time journalistic activity is in the interest of the public because theses journalists are more interested in results than in the career environment itself. And that is what is important. Even though full-time journalists often show dislike for their part-time colleagues due to the competition that they bring: why should motivated newcomers not are allowed to earn a lucrative second income through serious editorial work?


• To the top

The press sign for vehicles will be provided with a new yearly sticker (prolongation) each year; the press card will be reissued every year. This service is included in the membership fee (4 Euros / month, 48 Euros / year). Depending on what time of year you apply for an EPF membership, the membership fee will only be invoiced proportionately for the current year (e.g. if you apply in April you will only be charged for the time between April and December).


• To the top

At the European Press Federation you will not only find members with comprehensive career experience but also motivated newcomers. The EPF is mainly represented by full and part time journalists, experts in the communication sector and media representatives. This includes editors, (freelance) press photographers and feature journalists, authors, publishers, directors, camera people, spokesmen, film critics and radio reporters. Furthermore, EPF is supported by members who are active as owners or managers of TV production companies, news and press agencies, radio senders as well as journalism offices dealing with type, image, sound and internet.


• To the top

If you wish to prolong your membership for another year you will be required to pay the membership fee for the following year. The new press card for the following year will then be sent to you in November or December. The press card is only valid for the current year; the press sign for vehicles is only valid with the sticker for the current year.


• To the top

In most democratic countries the press is not state controlled. Note: Press cards are therefore issued by trade associations, trade unions or press agencies - and not from government authorities. 'Government recognised' or 'official' press cards are therefore myths. Some nationally active trade associations often like to issue, misleadingly, officially recognised press cards. Experts know: as well in Germany as in other European countries there are no such things as officially or state recognised press cards. These descriptions are there simply misleading.


• To the top

Basically, the press card is a tool for your activities. This tool authorises you as a registered representative of the press and aids you, for example, with authorities to carry out your activities as a journalist or research journalist more professionally. The possession of a press card does not imply that you are a good journalist. The press card does not testify to your real qualifications. The press card only documents that the owner is officially active as a journalist in one form or another.


• To the top

Recognised by whom? From government authorities, organisers, companies or organisations? It doesn’t matter if you work full or part-time as a journalist. The deciding factor is the quality of your work. The quality of your work will make you 'recognised'. Independent thereof, there is no obligation to produce journalistic work, but you can enjoy the benefits that fulltime members of the press are often granted. Access to publishing careers is open to all citizens (at least in democratic countries). The activities of a journalist can be performed without any special qualifications because a journalistic activity can easily be adopted autodidactically. The same applies for photo reporters or photo agents.


• To the top