I've just come across an article from the BBC mentioning the huge differences in salaries between countries for their Members of the European Parliament, as each country pays their own MP's the same salary as their National Parliament Members.
Italians MP's get the highest salaries with almost 11.000 euro/month, while the 2nd highest is Austria with 7.500 euro/month. 6 Eastern European countries in comparison pay only around 1.000 euro/month to their European MP's. (see graph below).
There has been talks to give all MP's a flat salary of 8600 euro/month, but Germany refused as it was too high. I also think it is too high, as no country but Italy reaches such level so far. IMO, MP's should be paid aroud 5000 to 6000 euro/month. However, US Members of Congress currently earn 158.100 US$/year, that is a bit over 13.000US$/month.
Italians MP's get the highest salaries with almost 11.000 euro/month, while the 2nd highest is Austria with 7.500 euro/month. 6 Eastern European countries in comparison pay only around 1.000 euro/month to their European MP's. (see graph below).
There has been talks to give all MP's a flat salary of 8600 euro/month, but Germany refused as it was too high. I also think it is too high, as no country but Italy reaches such level so far. IMO, MP's should be paid aroud 5000 to 6000 euro/month. However, US Members of Congress currently earn 158.100 US$/year, that is a bit over 13.000US$/month.