How much do MEPs earn?

MEPs currently earn €11,255.26 per month before tax (€8,772.70 after EU tax and insurance). The salary is set by the Members' Statute at 38.5% of the basic salary of a judge at the Court of Justice of the EU, so it rises whenever court salaries are adjusted. Source: European Parliament, rules for Members.

On top of the salary

• General expenditure allowance: €4,950/month, a lump sum for office costs (rent, phones, IT). Paid without receipts - a recurring transparency controversy.
• Daily subsistence allowance: €359 for each qualifying day of parliamentary activity in 2026, subject to proof of attendance.
• Travel: actual cost of travel to Parliament, plus an annual allowance for travel within the member state.
• Staff budget: up to €32,072/month in 2026 for staff-related expenses. It is administered by Parliament and is not paid to the MEP.
• Pension: 3.5% of salary per year in office, payable from 63.

Do MEPs have side incomes?

Many do. MEPs must declare remunerated outside activities when their total outside remuneration exceeds €5,000 gross in a calendar year, in their declarations of private interests; Transparency International EU's analyses have repeatedly found hundreds of paid side activities across the chamber. Side jobs are legal, subject to conflict-of-interest rules.

What does that buy the public?

Accountability data, among other things: since November 2023 every MEP must publish the lobby meetings they hold. That record - 91,711 declared meetings - is what this site tracks. See how your MEP uses their mandate: all MEPs by country.