European Parliament MEPs Earning Millions from Side Jobs

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2024-05-07 16:30:07

European Parliament MEPs Earning Millions from Side Jobs – Members of the European Parliament collectively earn over €8.7 million annually from side jobs, according to a new study by the non-governmental organization Transparency International. The study found that some MEPs receive more income from external roles, such as serving on corporate boards or advising private companies that influence EU policy, than their €10,000 monthly salary as lawmakers.

Transparency International cited this data in their new study, calling for stricter control over EU lawmakers. According to their data, one in four European Parliament members declared external income. Their analysis was based on information extracted directly from MEPs’ own private interest declarations, where they must detail any income received outside their parliamentary mandate. These declarations are included in the updated Integrity Watch EU database.

➤ Lithuanian MEP Viktor Uspaskich topped the list, declaring €3 million a year from working for the company UAB Edvervita, which he and his family own. This real estate and mineral water company is also a major shareholder in a mineral water firm. During the Covid-19 pandemic, in addition to recommending “synchronization with the Earth’s vibration,” Uspaskich claimed on social media that his company’s mineral water could protect against coronavirus infection.