German politicians criticise EP for maintaining two seats during energy crisis

by IANS |

Berlin, Oct 5 (IANS) German members of the European Parliament (EP) criticised their institution for continuing to operate in two locations - in Brussels, Belgium, and in Strasbourg, France - despite the skyrocketing energy prices.

"Until spring, we should only meet in Brussels," Peter Liese, member of the European People's Party (EPP) group in EP, told Bild newspaper on Tuesday. He also raised his concern in a letter to EP President Roberta Metsola.

"Heating and lighting two building complexes at the same time in Brussels and Strasbourg is a mockery of taxpayers," Moritz Koerner of the liberal Renew Europe group said, arguing that the Strasbourg offices should be sent into an "energetic hibernation immediately."

Although Strasbourg is the EP's official seat, its committees and political groups meet in Brussels. Only 12 four-day plenary sessions are held in Strasbourg each year.

The European Commission is currently discussing binding requirements for member states to save energy. "There is a global scarcity of energy. So, whatever we do, one thing is for sure: We have to save electricity," Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said last month.

In view of the energy crisis, the EU has just decided that benefiting energy companies will have to pass on part of their surplus profits in the future. This is intended to curb electricity price increases. "We have agreed on good and effective instruments to curb the rise in electricity prices," Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck said last week.

"Hopefully, the current crisis will lead to a rethink," the General Secretary of the Taxpayers Association of Europe, Michael Jaeger, told Bild. The commute between Brussels and Strasbourg is a "traveling circus" and "an ecological and economic disaster."

Latest News
Sensex crosses 74K mark in 1000 points rally Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:42 PM
Man stabbed to death during fight over drinking water Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:41 PM
Actor Mukesh, BJP candidate Ashwini file nominations in Kerala Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:22 PM
Gillespie resigns from his role as South Australia, Adelaide strikers' head coach Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:15 PM
'No scope for individuality in party', Karnataka DyCM Shivakumar warns warring leaders Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:10 PM
Ukrainian FM arrives in India to build on talks between PM Modi, Volodymyr Zelenskyy Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:02 PM
Political conspiracy, claims Kejriwal while being taken to Rouse Avenue Court Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:47 PM
NXP Semiconductors unveils industry-first platform for software-defined vehicles Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:41 PM
CM Vijayan & CPI(M) tread cautiously after ED case against Veena Vijayan Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:37 PM
IPL 2024: 'They opened for Australia...', says Ganguly on DC's opting for Warner, Marsh as opening pair vs PBKS Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:28 PM
India's trade policy is calibrated with economic growth path: Piyush Goyal Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:17 PM
Holi brings cheer to UP excise dept as sales soar Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:11 PM
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann blessed with baby girl Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:10 PM
New AI tool can predict fatal heart rhythm with 80 pc accuracy Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 12:41 PM
IPL 2024: 'Perplexed, beyond my understanding', Smith, Pathan slam Hardik's tactics of using Bumrah vs SRH Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 12:27 PM