The failure of the European Parliament to reform its procedures covering expenses and allowances is tantamount to embezzlement, warned senior Liberal MEP Chris Davies.
MEPs in Strasbourg rejected a series of amendments put forward by the budgetary control committee to address the severe criticism surrounding the system of parliamentary allowances.
Davies said the results of Tuesday's vote would do nothing to dispel the impression that too many MEPs were interested only in putting money into their pockets.
“The European Parliament grows in influence and authority yet is continually dragged through the mire by its failure to make reforms that would be expected without question in any other business,” said Davies.
Earlier in the day, Davies, a member of the parliament’s reform group, said that the vote would be a crucial test for the parliament.
“It will determine whether MEPs are determined to clean up their act or are prepared to allow the reputation of the parliament to continue to be mired by financial scandal.”
The European Parliament’s rapporteur on parliament’s financial discharge for 2003, Ona Jukneviciene, said the vote was a missed opportunity to reform the system of allowances.
“For too long the lack of transparency and accountability has been allowed to poison the atmosphere in parliament, creating hostility between members and fuelling criticism and cynicism in the media,” said Jukneviciene.
Media interest in the subject ignited in 2004, after revelations appeared in the German press from Austrian independent MEP Hans-Peter Martin who claimed to have logged thousands of cases of colleagues claiming a €262 daily allowance when not attending parliamentary meetings
And by using cut price airlines, many MEPs can cream €1000 or more each week on the current expenses regime.
Opposition to the reforms was led by parliament’s centre right EPP group, and by members from central and Eastern Europe, where there are huge differences MEP salaries.
“I do recognise the huge discrepancies in basic salaries at present, especially as a Lithuanian member, but I that is no justification for abusing the system,” said Jukneviciene.
“I regret the opposition of the EPP group and some other factions to what were reasonable proposals for reform.”
“After the votes today people across Europe can hardly be blamed if they think that some MEPs are engaged in corrupt practices, and that they don’t belong in parliament but in jail,” added Davies.
MEPS also voted against a suggestion that parliament should decide where sat - Brussels or Strasbourg -a decision denounced as a shameful waste by UK MEP Timothy Kirkhope.
“If the EU is serious about reform and accountability, ending the hugely expensive charade of monthly sessions in Strasbourg should be a priority,” said Kirkhope.
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