In a vote on budget guidelines negotiated by Parliament's political bodies, MEPs confirmed that the European Parliament should freeze in real terms its budget for 2013. In addition, a majority of committee members pointed that substantial savings could be made by having only one work place instead of three (Brussels, Strasbourg, Luxembourg).

Budgets Committee from the European Parliament voted the budget guidelines negotiated by Parliament's political bodies. MEPs agreed with this vote to freeze Parliament's 2013 budget. Moreover, Parliament's budget will increase by 1.9%, exactly in line with a request sent by Budgets Commissioner Janusz Lewandowski to all EU institutions. However, a further €8.5 million will be added to meet additional costs related to the arrival of Croatian MEPs. In October 2011, Parliament supported an increase in payments of 5.2% for 2012 as compared to 2011's budget.

In addition to this agreement, Committee members also sought to ensure that the European Parliament grants no money to parties that do not fully respect the EU's founding principles and the Charter of Human Rights. They are concerned that principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are not being fully respected by all parties requesting funding of the budget for political parties and foundations.

MEPs also reiterated their demand for a single seat for Parliament. Most of committee members called on the Council of Ministers to act on their repeated demand that Parliament should have only one seat for members and officials. They stressed that Parliament should have the right to decide its own working arrangements, which they believe is not the case at present.