Salary, reimbursements, and benefits: how much is being a MEP worth

Brussels – Not just salaries but also reimbursements, benefits, and some other perks: after the European elections, it is time to take stock, not just political; it is time to take stock of the twelve-star budget. How much will a new MEP earn? And what ‘privileges’ will they have, if any? Eunews reviews the relevant rules for the functioning of the EU’s democratically elected institution.

First, a clarification: all deputies receive the same salary. The President earns as much as a simple deputy: 10,377.43 euros gross per month, which translates into a net of 8,089.63 euros after deducting EU taxes and insurance contributions. For some, depending on their home member country, however, the monthly allowance could change. National governments may impose additional national taxes, and so the final net figures depend on the tax regime of the MEP’s home country.

The base paycheck is then supplemented by contributions, again guaranteed by the European Union budget to cover costs incurred to perform their duties. In this regard, Parliament’s Rules of Procedure provide an overhead allowance of 4,950 euros per month to cover expenses such as office rental in the member state where they are elected, office supplies, mobile phones/mobile phone subscriptions, and Internet subscriptions.

The 720 MEPs are also entitled to a daily allowance of 350 euros, also known as the ‘subsistence allowance,’ which covers lodging, meals, and related expenses for each day an MEP is in the European Parliament in an official capacity. Belgians are not entitled to it for work in Brussels.

What is not spent is added to what is earned, such as travel. The European Parliament covers travel expenses to and from the institution to enable Members to perform their duties. Upon presentation of receipts, the European Parliament reimburses the cost of travel tickets to attend meetings. How much is this reimbursement worth? There is a maximum limit equal to the business class airfare, first-class rail fare, or 0.58 euros per km in the case of travel by car (up to a maximum of 1,000 km). The European Parliament issues the tickets.

There is more. In addition to salaries, refunds, and allowances,  MEPs are entitled to reimbursement of two-thirds of their medical expenses. Also, at the end of their term of office, they are entitled to a transitional allowance, in equivalent to one month’s allowance for each year of their term of office for a maximum of two years. Also, official vehicles: members may use, not exclusively, official cars to attend meetings or events in Brussels or Strasbourg.