I think the EU doesn't actually take into account much of what the people think or say... I think they're just mature enough as polititians and human beings to reaize that, yes, we do have to make a living, one way or another, but this thing is just wrong. We gotta make it right.

I saw an interview once with a german female polititian that switched office and was now in a lower ranking, underpaid and much more demanding office. The journalist asked her why did she want to switch (it was by her choice), to which she replied that she wanted to prove herself as being able to do this as well, and also have this job on her resime, which would be very good, plus she gets to be in a much more demanding environment, which is something she always wanted to see if she could handle well.

It's the logic to how most of these polititians see themselves and the work they do. They see themselves as servants to the people and their jobs just as any other job, they just want to get better at doing different things regarding their qualifications. This is the main diference, I think, not just do something for status or money, but actually progress in your knowledge and skills.