On Monday, 10 June, the official results of the European Parliament elections were announced. The Civic Coalition secured first place with 21 seats, followed by Law and Justice with 20 seats. The Confederation came third, sending six MEPs to Brussels. Both the Third Way and the Left will each be represented by three MEPs in the European Parliament.

The European Parliament elections often spark discussions about the salaries of those elected to go to Brussels. Many accuse the candidates of seeking the position merely because the pay is in euros rather than zlotys. What, then, is the financial situation of those heading west to represent Polish interests? Do young MEPs receive the same salary as their senior colleagues?

The European Parliament elections are now behind us. Many individuals who have previously served will return to Brussels, while a number of new faces will also represent Poland in the EU. This includes younger generation representatives from the Confederation, such as Anna Bryłka and Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik, who are preparing for their first term. Does their age and inexperience matter? Absolutely not.

According to radiozet.pl, an MEP's basic monthly salary is just over €10,000 gross, which translates to almost €8,000 net after tax. In Polish currency, this amounts to nearly 34,000 PLN net. Over a year, Polish MEPs will earn approximately PLN 400,000. Considering that the term of office for the European Parliament lasts five years, each representative will earn around PLN 2 million.

However, MEPs' earnings do not end there. They receive a daily allowance of €350, or roughly PLN 1,500, and are entitled to a mileage allowance if they travel to sessions using their own transport, at a rate of €0.58 per kilometre, or about PLN 2.5. If they use aeroplanes or trains, the European Parliament covers the cost of tickets.

Additionally, as reported by radiozet.pl, MEPs receive a parliamentary allowance of nearly €5,000 per month, or around PLN 21,000. This allowance is intended for renting an office, purchasing equipment and software, and covering other operational expenses. As you can see, these substantial earnings make working in the European Parliament highly lucrative.

Source: radiozet.pl