92003E1365

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1365/03

by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(10 April 2003)

Subject: MEPs' salaries and public confidence

There has been a long-standing debate within the EU concerning a change in the pay structure for MEPs. A current proposal is that the present system, whereby MEPs receive the same salary as a member of the respective national parliament, should be replaced by a system in

which all MEPs would receive an average of the various levels of pay which currently exist for MEPs from the various Member States. Should such a change come about, it could mean, for example, that Swedish MEPs would receive a pay rise of some SEK 35 000. There is a risk that such a steep increase in the current salaries of Swedish MEPs would bring about a manifest crisis of confidence in Sweden, and would probably widen the gap between elected representatives and electorate.

What is the Commission's assessment of the risk that a change in MEPs' pay structure whereby Swedish Members, for example, might receive a pay rise of SEK 35 000 will result in a lack of voter confidence in their Members of Parliament?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(21 May 2003)

As the Honourable Member will be aware, the draft statute for Members of Parliament continues to be the subject of intensive discussion between the Council and Parliament and therefore at present there is no specific proposal of Parliament on the table. Once the Commission is seized of a formal proposal adopted by Parliament, it will give the opinion required under Article 190(5) of the Treaty.