EU Libraries

North West Euro MP David Sumberg is reacting angrily to revelations about the costs of the European Commission's Libraries in Brussels and Luxembourg which cost the taxpayer £6.2 million a year to run - even
though they are not open to the public!

Mr Sumberg said he was staggered and appalled to learn that the cost averaged out at £2,138 per book borrowed in Luxembourg Library and £1,379 per book borrowed in the Brussels Library. (see notes to editors)

Only staff and officials of EU institutions have free access to the facilities with researchers, diplomats and academics able to apply, but must fulfil strict criteria to gain entry, and are even then not allowed to take a book out. Professionals are only allowed entry if they can provide specific proof of "appropriate specialisation in European affairs".

Mr Sumberg said: "These figures are scandalous. But it's not hard to believe the EC wastes taxpayers' money on this scale. It's typical of an institution which treats public money with disdain. What is the point of having a libraries paid for by taxpayers if the public is barred from using them? If these libraries are to remain their costs should be slashed and the public should be allowed full access to them. The libraries have to prove they serve a useful purpose to justify the expenditure."

NOTES TO EDITORS

With only 459 loans made at the Luxembourg Library with an annual running cost of £981,429 the cost per book works out at £2,138 per book.

The larger Brussels based library has running costs of £5,218,571 with the number of loans totalling 3,785 at £1,379 each. 11,660 people used the two facilities this works out at £532 per visit.

Bring 'wasteful' Euro libraries to book