MEPs' earnings

The double-page feature in Weekender (October 23) about a day in the life of Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil made very interesting reading.

I have never doubted Dr Busuttil's penchant for hard work. What I have always criticised him for is that there are times when he tells the truth but not the whole truth on matters connected with the EU.

I found this happening again when, in the Weekender feature, I read the following: "In terms of salaries, MEPs currently receive the equivalent of their nation's MPs, which means the Maltese MEPs are unlikely to lead the life of kings...." Dr Busuttil was quoted as saying: "I sit close to an Italian MEP who earns six times more than I do..."

All this may give the erroneous impression that Maltese MEPs are making a big financial sacrifice to serve. While Maltese MEPs earn a salary equivalent to that of a Maltese MP - about Lm6,000 a year -this salary is only a small percentage of all the money which all MEPs of whatever nationality receive in allowances, so-called reimbursements and many other perks and benefits.

All MEPs receive about Lm110 (and may soon rise) for each day they spend in Brussels or Strasbourg to cover their accommodation and meals. As was mentioned in the feature, if MEPs eat in the European Parliament building's "three heavily-subsidised restaurants" I am told they pay about Lm2 for a meal. MEPs are often, if not daily, invited for dinner meetings with the thousands of lobbyists present in Brussels and Strasbourg. So even dining out at some of the best restaurants can often be had for free. That leaves the money MEPs pay for accommodation.

Just like Dr Busuttil, many MEPs opt for renting a small flat which they may also share with an MEP colleague or friend who is working in Brussels. All the money saved remains in the MEP's pocket tax free since no receipts are required!

MEPs receive Lm60,000-Lm65,000 a year to employ an assistant or assistants, who could even be their own wife or husband, brother etc. Any money saved remains too in the MEP's pocket.

Another allowance of about Lm17,000 a year is received to cover "office expenses" when MEPs do not pay any office rent, or any water and electricity bills etc.

When MEPs travel they are paid the equivalent of a business-class ticket plus a percentage for additional expenses. If they travel economy class or on one of the cheap flights, they pocket the difference since they are not required to produce any receipts, just the boarding ticket.

MEPs are entitled to many other benefits, such as free medical check-ups, various insurance policies all paid by the EU, duty free shopping of whatever they require, which is denied to us common EU citizens, free limousine transport, a very good pension when they reach retiring age etc...

Although in the feature mention was made to "the various fiscal allowances granted to MEPs (which) are often met by the scourge of EU sceptics" no details were given about the very hefty amounts involved, as I detailed above. The only benefits mentioned were the excellent facilities which MEPs enjoy in the European Parliament building, which gives a very distorted picture of the whole truth about the life of an MEP - which is much much more fiscally rewarding than the impression readers may have obtained!