Members of the European Parliament and their families can charge cosmetic surgery to the bill of the European Parliament, as a result of changes related to medical expenses of MPs in Brussels, according to the Daily Mail. Romania media has pointed out that MEP Elena Basescu, the daughter of Romanian president Traian Basescu, who has been featured in tabloids, can thus perform cosmetic surgery at the expense of the European Parliament.

According to the newspaper, the new rules show that the budget of EUR 3.4 million may be spent for more medical treatment like breast reductions, facial hair removal and massage. The permitted treatments, outlined in The Practical Guide To Reimbursement Of Medical Expenses, will be covered by EU money in a rate of 36 percent. Also, taxpayers in the EU cover at least two thirds of the cost of all medical treatments for MEPs and in many cases meet 100 percent of the cost.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com