The European Parliament, operating on a substantial annual budget of €2 billion, has decided on major European Parliament cuts to ‘non-essential’ spending. Under a comprehensive austerity plan launched by Secretary-General Alessandro Chiocchetti, the institution is eliminating various image-building projects and streamlining internal processes, according to the publication Euractiv.
Projects Targeted for Cuts:
- Podcasts and Publications: The podcast run by the Parliament’s research department has been closed. Plans also include reducing the number of internal publications.
- Exhibitions: The communications service deemed the art exhibitions held every six months for the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU ineffective.
- Tourist Attractions: Plans to expand the “role-playing game” that allows visitors to experience life as an MEP (Member of the European Parliament) have been canceled.
Other Economy Measures:
- Operational Optimization: The plan includes revising procurement rules, reducing bureaucracy/paperwork, and promoting the use of artificial intelligence to boost efficiency.
- Personnel Evaluation Changes: The system for evaluating staff performance will be reviewed.
- Sustainable Travel: Rules for official travel (“missions”) are being updated to factor in ecological considerations and work-life balance principles.
Implementing European Parliament Cuts and Efficiency Measures
These cost-saving measures follow a major reorganization last year, when one directorate was split into four. Chiocchetti justified that restructuring by stressing the need for the Parliament to focus more intently on legislative oversight. The European Parliament’s expenditure cuts align with broader efforts by EU institutions to reduce the bureaucratic burden on businesses, a process which the Commission claims has already saved billions.
