The big squeeze: observers facing four-to-an-office farce

Date: 08/05/03

By Martin Banks

PROSPECTIVE MEPs from accession countries are furious that shortage of space means up to four each will have to share offices in the European Parliament for at least 12 months.

They say it is "grossly unfair" they face the prospect of working in overcrowded conditions, while existing MEPs each have two rooms, one for themselves and one for their assistants.

One said: "I can't believe it. We don't want luxury but how can you be expected to work properly in such conditions?"

Most of the 162 "observer" deputies from the ten accession countries started work for the first time this week. They will be able to attend and participate in meetings but will have no voting rights.

The majority are already national parliamentarians and are expected to seek election to the European Parliament in the elections next June.

Some 69 join Parliament's biggest political group, the European People's Party, with 58 linking up with the Socialist group and 13 with the Liberals.

The lack of office space was the main topic among many of the observers when they arrived in Brussels on Monday.

A new block to accommodate MEPs from accession countries is being built close to Place du Luxembourg in the European quarter, but is not expected to be ready until 2006. Other buildings close by have been leased but will not be available until after next year's elections.

The situation is expected to be worse at the Parliament building in Strasbourg where office space is even more limited.

One Polish observer, who did not wish to be named, said: "It's ridiculous. I accept I will not be in Brussels or Strasbourg as much as existing MEPs. Nor do I expect to have the same rights and conditions. But these are not the sort of cramped conditions I expected. It seems grossly unfair."

Liberal group leader Graham Watson said: "It's far from ideal and I'm sure everyone would have preferred them to be working in better conditions."

Prospective MEPs from accession countries are furious that shortage of space means up to four each will have to share offices in the European Parliament for at least 12 months.