EU to invite influencers to summit meetings under pilot scheme

The European Council is piloting a scheme to grant social media influencers, including YouTubers and TikTokers, access to EU summit meetings, according to a report by POLITICO Europe.

The initiative, which has been dubbed internally as "EUCOmaxxing" — a portmanteau blending the acronym for European Council summits with internet slang — represents a notable shift in how the EU's highest political body approaches public communications and outreach.

The Council, which brings together the heads of state and government of EU member states and sets the bloc's overall political direction, has traditionally restricted summit access to accredited journalists and established media organisations. The pilot scheme would extend that access to creators operating on digital and short-form video platforms.

The move appears aimed at broadening the Council's reach among younger audiences who consume news primarily through social media rather than conventional outlets.

Details on the scope, duration, and specific criteria for selecting participating influencers have not yet been disclosed publicly.