Brussels begins discussions on cuts to MEP benefits

According to Euractiv, a group of five high-ranking members of the European Parliament has begun discussing possible changes to the rules governing the financial benefits of MEPs. The aim is to ease some of the conditions for receiving benefits that members obtain in addition to their basic salaries.

The working group is chaired by Sabine Verheyen, First Vice-President of the European Parliament from Germany. According to the portal’s sources, discussions began at a private meeting in Brussels earlier this week.

The talks come at a time when political attention is gradually turning to the mid-term vote in January 2027, when the leadership of the Parliament, including President Roberta Metsola, will be elected.

One proposal under discussion is to increase the maximum distance for which MEPs can claim reimbursement for car travel between their home country and the Parliament in Brussels or Strasbourg. Currently, MEPs can receive €0.59 per kilometre for a maximum distance of 720 kilometres. There are discussions about increasing the limit to 1,000 kilometres.

The debate also concerns the rules governing the daily attendance allowance of €359. Members are currently entitled to the allowance only if they spend at least six hours per day in Parliament, a rule designed to prevent politicians from simply flying in and out without participating in parliamentary work.

The rules on financial benefits were tightened after the Qatargate corruption scandal in 2022. However, according to some MEPs, these measures unnecessarily complicate the work of lawmakers who comply with the rules.

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