The European Parliament recently adjusted its funding schedule, distributing €31 million to political groups after the June elections. The funds are allocated in proportion to the number of MEPs in each group. The European People’s Party (EPP) received over €8 million, while the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) received nearly €6 million. In total, around €65 million is allocated annually to political groups, with each MEP valued at an average of €90,000. The funds are intended to cover administrative and operational costs for the groups.
The calculation behind the payout is based on allocating 97.5% of the funds in proportion to the number of MEPs and distributing the remaining 2.5% equally. Larger groups receive more funding, while smaller groups receive less. The political groups use these funds for public information campaigns on their activities in the European Parliament, such as votes and legislative initiatives. However, there are limits to the use of these funds, as they cannot be used to support national political parties or finance election campaigns. Parliament has taken action in the past to recover funds that were misused by parties.
In addition to the funds allocated to political groups, the European Parliament provides other funding to MEPs for hiring assistants and to finance European political parties. Political advisers are also employed to support the work of the groups. The political groups play a crucial role in the European decision-making process, responsible for legislation, scrutiny, and control of the European Commission. It is important for them to be well-resourced to carry out their functions effectively.
The funds allocated to political groups are utilized for various activities such as events, administrative support, and initiatives related to the work of MEPs. Renew Europe, for example, uses the funds for political and information activities related to the European Union’s political agenda. The Greens allocate funds to support their political priorities, including the green transition, social initiatives, and democracy. The funds are essential for the groups to carry out their mandates and engage with the electorate.
It is crucial for political groups to adhere to the guidelines set by the European Parliament regarding the use of funds. Misuse of funds for national political parties or election campaigns can lead to consequences such as the recovery of funds by Parliament. Ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of these funds is essential to maintain the integrity of the European political system. Overall, the allocation of funds to political groups enables them to fulfill their roles in the European decision-making process effectively and efficiently.
