Debate over MEP expenses in ‘deep freeze’ admits Cox

By Martin Banks

Date: 15/07/04

MEPS have missed the last chance to clean up their "gravy train" image before the end of the current Parliamentary term.

Members of the assembly's bureau, consisting of President Pat Cox and 14 vice-presidents, on 13 July failed to do a deal on the controversial travel expenses system, putting talks on hold until the Autumn.

Under present rules, MEPs can claim a full fare on a flight to Parliamentary sessions in Brussels or Strasbourg while travelling on a budget airline. They can pocket the difference, which can be as much as €15,000 annually.

Earlier this year, Parliament agreed a radical reform of the entire system of pay and perks for its MEPs.

But the plan was blocked by four member states, which were reluctant to fund standardized salaries.

At the last meeting of the current bureau, five deputies voted in favour of adopting the part of this report relating to members' expenses.

That would have meant introducing an immediate reform of members' travel expenses, under which MEPs would be able to claim only what they spend.

But seven voted against, leaving the matter for the next Parliament.

The naysayers included centre-right German deputy, Ingo Friedrich, one of Parliament's longest-serving MEPs, who defended his decision by saying: "I am fed up with this issue and am as eager as anyone to see reform.

"I simply believe it is better to link the expenses issue with that of MEPs' salaries and I am confident we can reach agreement on a whole package by the end of the year."

This failure, however, dismayed those who see reform as vital if public confidence in the European Union is to be improved.

Cox, who made reform of MEPs' pay and expenses the number-one priority of his presidency, said the matter had now been put into the "deep freeze".

The decision was condemned by other MEPs, including bureau member and French Green MEP Gérard Onesta, who voted in favour of a change to the rules.

He said: "It's an utter disgrace. There was absolutely no reason not to implement this reform right now.

"After the terrible turnout in the European elections, this would have at least sent out the signal to voters that this Parliament is at last ready to clean up its act."

At an EP Bureau meeting, Brussels, 13 July 2004, MEPs and EP President Pat Cox failed to agree a deal to reform the system of travel expenses for MEPs. The matter has now been put back until Autumn 2004.