Lukrative Jobs: How Much European Parliament Members Earn
A recent article in the local newspaper shed light on the impressive earnings of European Parliament members. With a monthly salary of €10,075, MEPs also receive additional allowances, including €350 per day for meals and expenses. Let’s delve into the details of the income of EU parliament members and the perks they enjoy.
The monthly gross salary for all MEPs is €10,075.10, with a net income of €7,853.89 after EU taxes and insurance contributions are deducted. Additional national taxes imposed by the member states may affect the final net amounts received by MEPs based on their country of origin. Over a five-year term in the European Parliament, MEPs can earn around €600,000 gross, paid from the EU Parliament budget.
In addition to their salary, MEPs are entitled to various allowances to cover expenses such as office rent, travel costs, and meals. They receive a lump sum of €4,950 per month for office expenses, but this amount is contingent on attending at least half of the plenary sessions in a parliamentary year. MEPs also receive a daily allowance of €350 for each day spent on official duties in the European Parliament.
MEPs are also reimbursed for travel expenses to and from the Parliament, with business-class flights and first-class train tickets covered upon presentation of receipts. They can claim €0.58 per kilometer for car travel up to 1,000 kilometers and additional expenses such as highway tolls and luggage fees. Furthermore, MEPs have access to EU Parliament pool vehicles for meetings in Brussels or Strasbourg.
Even when traveling outside of Brussels and Strasbourg, MEPs are entitled to cost reimbursement, with travel within their home country covered up to a specified maximum amount. They also receive a budget of €28,696 per month for employing staff, which is paid directly to the employees as salaries.
In summary, European Parliament members enjoy a generous income package, including a monthly salary of €10,075, daily allowances for expenses, and additional funds for office and travel costs. The financial perks associated with an EU mandate offer insight into the lucrative nature of these positions.