Strasbourg, 18/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - Pat Cox, President of the European Parliament, is pleased with the views expressed by the EP on its own statute (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.11). "It voted wisely and well" taking a stance for reform conditions which commend themselves to the Council of Ministers. He said in a declaration that this was the greatest reform effort made by the Parliament, a contract whereby the Parliament commits itself and which, if the Council responds positively, will become a legal contract. The next phase is tricky, Pat Cox recognised, but it is up tthe governments to act now, and to act fast. Mr Cox trusts that they will not miss the opportunity to settle a matter that has remained open for too long.
Furthermore, we would point out that the new Member States will be able to decide that their MEPs receive less than the monthly remuneration of 8671 euros that the Council and European Parliament have decided to attribute to all MEPs. This derogation aims to avoid too great a salary difference between MEPs and national deputies and ministers. It should be authorised during two parliamentary mandates, rapporteur Willy Rothley said. The new member States are not, however, really encouraged by the new statute to choose this option, as they should in this case pay the salary to deputies, although the draft statute provides for the financing to be borne by the Community budget.
European Parliament Plenary Session