MEPs adopted a 2012 estimates with an increase of 2.3% over 2011, which means a figure of 1 725 billion Euro. On the other hand, it represents five tenths below the current rate of inflation in the EU.

Parliament propose to reduce by 13,7 million Euro with regard to the original European Commission proposal. The  main cuts are in funding for political parties and foundations, information campaigns, IT, maintenance of buildings and the number of posts.  They also call for cuts in travel expenditure and the use of water, electricity and paper.

The MEP who led Parliament's report, José Manuel Fernandes stated “we want all the expenses to be justified and we want the variable expenses to be subject to a cost-benefit analysis”. Parliament also wants a long-term review of the EP budget, to identify potential savings.

EP will submitt budget estimates to the European Commission on 20 April. Then, the European Parliament and the Council of Minister will examine the draft budget, adopt their amendments and finally agree on the budget, probably in November this year.