Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the European Commission

20.6.2023

Photographic coverage of the activities of College members is essential for informing citizens about the Commission’s work and ensuring transparency.

The total expenditure for photographers and make-up artists in the current legislative period (end of 2019 to end of April 2023) was EUR 2 756 286 of which 95% was on photographers and videographers covering thousands of Commission events in Brussels, in EU Member States and outside Europe. This includes salaries and mission costs.

There is no expenditure for hairdressers.

Photo services include photographic coverage of meetings, official visits, conferences and press events at the Commission headquarters, as well as coverage of Commissioners’ official visits abroad, such as the G7/G20 summits, United Nations General Assembly, EU bilateral and multilateral summits (e.g. EU-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) or EU-African Union summits) or major events organised by Commission departments (e.g. EU Skills Festival, New European Bauhaus Festival, Europe Day and many others). They also produce thematic and symbolic photos to illustrate all major policy initiatives of the Commission.

A breakdown by individual Commissioners, as requested by the Honourable Member, is therefore not possible.