The Taxpayers Association of Europe (TAE) severely criticises the new rules for MEP’s air travel, which apply from the next legislative period.

As Rolf von Hohenhau, the TAE president states: the fact that the reimbursement of travel costs should only cover the costs actually paid is fundamentally welcomed by the Taxpayers Association of Europe. The fact that MEPs may now book business class flights thanks to the new code of conduct, even within the EU, which was not previously the case, is something that should not be put across, especially in a period of an economic and business downturn. As von Hohenhau claims: there shouldn’t be luxury flights which are paid for by the taxpayer! A revision is called for!

Up until now MEPs were refunded a flat rate for a flexible economy class ticket, even when the ticket was cheaper. This bad state of affairs is corrected by the new MEP rules. However now, business class tickets can also be accounted for.

Von Hohenhau prompts the European Parliament to repeal this rule with immediate effect. If this is not possible, MEPs should be obliged, through a code of conduct, to always book the least expensive flight and additionally, to use miles gained on business or business travel for the purpose of their duties only.

Brussels/Munich, 9th April 2009