Angel opted not to reveal the hotel’s location, name, or the affected MEP but shared with POLITICO the importance of establishing a procedure to address hygiene issues that may occur during official missions involving Members or colleagues.
Such a procedure would enable hygiene complaints to be promptly reported to Parliament’s travel agency and could result in problematic hotels being removed from the accommodation options available to lawmakers.
The hotel, located in Strasbourg, hosts lawmakers, assistants, officials, lobbyists, and journalists each month for the European Parliament’s plenary session. According to two individuals briefed on the matter, who requested anonymity for discussing the sensitive incident, one of them noted that the hotel wasn’t listed on the travel agency’s recommended options.
The incident adds another undesirable footnote to the ongoing debate about Parliament’s monthly move between Brussels and Strasbourg. This arrangement, embedded in EU treaties, has long faced criticism from lawmakers highlighting its cost, inconvenience, and environmental impact. A 2014 EU auditors’ report estimated that maintaining Parliament’s second seat costs taxpayers €114 million yearly.
Parliament stated that accommodations for official missions are expected to meet standards of quality, safety, and hygiene. A spokesperson, who remained anonymous under the institution’s rules, explained that upon receiving a complaint, it is assessed by the relevant services and potentially raised with the travel provider and hotel to prevent future incidents.
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