How much are MEPs paid? ------------------------ MEPs in the European Parliament are among the highest paid politicians in the world, enjoying generous perks on top of their monthly salaries Exchange rate: €1 = £0.88 = $1.11 ------------------------ Salary €8,757 per month (as of July 2018) – equal to €105,092 per year before tax. In comparison, British members of parliament earn €90,250 per year ------------------------ Subsistence €320 per day to cover hotel bills, meals and “related costs” when in Brussels or Strasbourg on official business (paid only if MEPs sign attendance register) ------------------------ Pension At 63, MEP entitled to 3.5% of salary for each year in office, until it reaches ceiling of 70% of salary. Annual payment could be as much as €73,564 ------------------------ Travel expenses Refunded travel to European Parliament meetings (receipts required). Maximum of business class air fare, first class rail fare or €0.53 per km by car €4,454 per year refunded for other travel outside MEP’s home country, plus 24 return trips inside country ------------------------ General allowance €4,513 per month for office costs in MEP’s constituency, including rent, computers, phones and conferences (receipts not required) ------------------------ Transition payments When term in office ends, MEP entitled to one month’s salary for every year served, up to two years’ pay. Worth up to €210,184 ------------------------ Staff budget €24,943 per month to cover recruitment of personal assistants ------------------------ Other perks Access to cars and offices in Brussels and Strasbourg for official business. Two-thirds of medical bills refunded ------------------------ Sources: European Parliament, Euronews Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS