C'se the rules say you cant.
I am sure you understand the difference between the met conditions and IFR and VFR, but in case not, you can be IFR in VMC (day or night), and in the same way as during the day, you will need an IR or IMCR to declare IFR in IMC at night.
BTW can Eurocontrol render a charge if they havent provided a service?