What jobs are MEPs doing on the side? A first look into their new income declarations

Summary:

Recent allegations of European Parliament Members (MEPs) receiving payments to spread Russian propaganda have highlighted the European Parliament's failure to protect its democratic integrity. The analysis reveals that one in four MEPs have declared outside earnings totalling 8.7 million euros per year. This raises conflict-of-interest risks, as some MEPs work on parliamentary activities related to the same sector as their side jobs. The study found that 70% of MEPs perform side activities, with 15% having paid side gigs. Top earners are primarily from right-wing and centrist groups, and some earn more from side jobs than their MEP salaries. The report concludes that the European Parliament needs more robust scrutiny of declarations of interests, stricter rules, and a ban on side activities with organisations seeking to influence EU policy-making to ensure accountability and transparency.