FAQs

Below is selection to hopefully help answer any questions you may have but if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for why not email us here, and we’ll do our best to answer it and post it here for others to share.

Why do I have more than one MEP representing me?

MEPs are elected on a regional basis through proportional representation. You will therefore have a selection of MEPs representing your electoral region. They belong to different political parties and sit on specific European Parliamentary Committees. Click here for more information.

What are Parliament’s 23 official languages?

Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish and Swedish.

Is there a register of MEPs’ interests?

Yes, the register is available for consultation in Parliament offices in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg (during plenary sessions). Individual MEPs’ declaration of financial interests is available on their biographical details page here.

How much do we contribute to the EU?

In 2008, Britain’s net contribution was £3.3 bn. For further details please see HM Treasury’s European Community Finances: statement on the 2009 EC Budget and measures to counter fraud and financial mismanagement: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/european_community_finances_2009.pdf 

How much does the European Parliament cost?

The European Parliament’s budget for 2007 was €1,397 million. This covers staff costs, buildings, MEPs’ travel allowance and expenses. The Parliament employs about 5,900 people, of whom about 1,300 work as translators or interpreters covering the 23 official languages.

I should like to work for the European Parliament. How do I apply?

Most recruitment to the European Parliament and any of the EU institutions is handled by EPSO (European Personnel Selection Office) through open competitions.

I think my human rights have been infringed. Where do I go?

The Human Rights Act is UK law and gives legal effect to the European Convention on Human Rights (Council of Europe, NOT the EU). Please seek advice from your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Which country holds the EU Presidency?

Spain will hold the Presidency during the first half of 2010. For a full list of countries due to hold the EU Presidency please see http://www.eu2010.es

Are meetings of the European Parliament public?

Committees normally meet in public and all plenary sessions are public.