Like many others, Petr from the Czech Republic is concerned about how MEPs are paid and the possibility for anomalies. How it Works delves into how the recently revised pay and expenses works for all MEPs and their assistants.

How it Works: MEPs' pay and expenses

Hello. I am Petr from the Czech Republic.

How is it controlled that they're paid   according to the work they've done?

The MEPs are not paid   according to their efficiency.

They get the same salary each month,   like all other politicians.

In addition, from now on this salary   is the same for all MEPs.

7,412 € gross, whereas before it varied   according to their country of origin.

Until now, the MEPs' expenditure was the   responsibility of the national parliaments.

the expenditure will be the responsibility   of the EP, that is, the Community budget.

Each MEP, when he takes up his seat,   has to make a declaration of his assets

and a declaration of incompatibilities   which will be published on the EP site.

According to the new status, travel   expenses will from now on be reimbursed

Verification is automatic as soon as   the receipts have been received.

The control of other expenses   is less precise.

Such is the case of the daily allowance   of 298 euros,

a lump sum that covers accommodation,   meals and other expenses

related to attending official meetings   of the Parliament.

Here, there is control, because   an MEP gets the allowance

for each day he has signed the official   attendance register of the Parliament,

As for general expenses,   the fixed allowance of 4,202 euros

But it's supposed to cover   specific expenses such as

telephone, postage and   newspaper subscriptions.

Should doubts arise about   the proper use of this allowance,

the financial services of the EP can ask   the MEP in question for receipts.

If the MEP fails to justify his expenses,   the services can demand a refund.

It's very rare, but when   an MEP is suspected of fraud,

the Parliament's services can call on   the European Anti-Fraud Office.

If it shares the suspicions, and the EP   agrees to lift the immunity of the MEP,

the case can be tried   in the competent national court.

More generally,   the new status of the assistants

should put an end to certain practices   concerning their salary.

Until now each MEP was given   a lump sum of more than 17,000 euros

for the payment of his assistants,   to dispose of as he pleased.

Today, the wage structure   is clearly defined

according to the assistant's   level of experience or education.