Halving MEPs’ salaries would take them ‘out of their bubbles’, MEP says

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Published: 2026-10-08T08:22:02.239Z • Permanent link

Marc Botenga, a Left MEP, has proposed a bold move to halve the salaries of all MEPs in the European Parliament. This plan is part of the group's efforts to bring MEPs "down to earth" and make them more relatable to ordinary Europeans. Botenga's initiative is a direct response to the growing criticism of MEPs' high salaries and perceived disconnect from the people they represent. The current salary of MEPs is around €10,000 per month, which is significantly higher than the average salary of a European citizen. By halving the salary, MEPs would be forced to live on a more modest budget, making it easier for them to understand the struggles of ordinary people.

Botenga's proposal has sparked both praise and criticism within the EU. Some MEPs have defended the current salary, arguing that it is necessary to attract top talent and compensate for the high costs of living in Brussels. Others have welcomed the proposal, seeing it as an opportunity to increase transparency and accountability within the EU. The European Commission has yet to comment on the proposal, but it is likely to face fierce resistance from MEPs and other stakeholders.

The decision to halve MEPs' salaries would have significant implications for the EU's institutional dynamics. MEPs would need to reassess their priorities and make difficult choices about how to allocate their time and resources. This could lead to a more efficient and effective use of EU funds, as well as increased scrutiny of MEPs' spending habits. However, it also raises questions about the potential impact on MEPs' ability to effectively represent their constituents and participate in EU decision-making.

The proposal to halve MEPs' salaries would have far-reaching consequences for the research communities that rely on EU funding. Many research institutions and scientists rely on EU grants to fund their projects, and a reduction in MEPs' salaries could lead to a decrease in funding for these initiatives. This could have a significant impact on the EU's research landscape, particularly in areas such as science and technology. The European Union's Horizon Europe program, which is set to launch in 2024, is expected to provide billions of euros in funding for research projects.

The proposal also raises questions about the impact on the financial markets and the EU's economy. A reduction in MEPs' salaries could lead to a decrease in consumer spending, which could have a ripple effect on the economy. This could also lead to increased scrutiny of MEPs' financial dealings and the use of EU funds. The European Parliament's Financial Affairs Committee has been investigating MEPs' financial activities in recent years, and a reduction in salaries could lead to increased transparency and accountability.

The proposal to halve MEPs' salaries is part of a broader trend of increasing scrutiny of EU institutions and their decision-making processes. The European Parliament has faced criticism in recent years for its perceived lack of transparency and accountability, particularly in areas such as the EU's budget and policy-making processes. The EU's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has also been subject to intense scrutiny, with many questioning the EU's handling of the crisis and the use of EU funds.