While national governments are struggling to reduce debt and cut public expenditure the EU institutions live in a different world. They have no mind to reduce costs. They doggedly pursue the mirage of “more Europe” and “ever closer union".
If there was the will, enormous savings – some £400 million a year – could be made in the Parliament’s budget without affecting its core responsibilities.
As we seek EU reform, a reduction in the costs of the EU, starting with its administration, should be a key demand.