He told a meeting of the European Finland organisation that many MEP's don't subscribe to principles of transparency when it comes budget planning. He specifically points to plans to build an EU museum and fitness centre which have just been approved.
Itälä says it's unforgivable that the Parliament can think up all sorts of expensive projects and leave the fundraising to others. He adds that in the end, the taxpayer loses out.
Itälä feels that the Parliament should only focus on projects that advance their raison d'etre, which is legislation.
Good Moves for the Environment
Itälä says he is pleased that 40 million euros was shaved off the Euro-Parliamentary budget proposal which will be approved at the next full session. He's also pleased that his own proposal to replace all of the Parliament's vehicles with hybrid cars was approved as well.
"If we could just cut down the number of times Strasbourg is in full session, the Parliament could really say it's really doing its part for the environment by cutting down on unnecessary travel."