The European Commission spent 2.75 million euros on photos and videos of its members from the end of 2019 until April 2023, dpa reports.

This amount was announced in the commission’s response to a question by a member of the European Parliament from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

The expenses of the current parliament include funds allocated for photographers, cameramen and make-up artists. Approximately 95% of expenses were directed to salaries and travel.

“Photographic coverage of the activities of … members is essential to inform citizens about the work of the Commission and to ensure transparency,” wrote Johannes Hahn, the European Commissioner for Budget and Administration.

He added that there is a need for photo coverage of meetings, official visits, conferences and press events in Brussels, as well as official visits of EU commissioners abroad.

A breakdown of individual expenses for commissioners was impossible, he added. (Source: Agerpres)