News item | 12-09-2025 | 15:00
The Dutch payment to the European multi -year budget threatens to rise too much due to the proposals of the European Commission. The government believes that sharper financial choices should be made. Minister Heinen (Finance) and Minister Van Weel (Foreign Affairs) in response to the proposal of the European Commission of 16 July 2025. The appreciation of both the proposal for the multi-year budget (MFK 2028-2034) and the Eigen-Resources Decree (EMB) was sent to the House of Representatives today. This will be the negotiating deployment of the Dutch cabinet for the next 2 years.
Multi -year budget (expenditure)
On the basis of the proposal, the government estimates that the Netherlands will contribute more to the European budget compared to other countries. This is not acceptable for the cabinet.
Minister Heinen: “Smarter and effective instead of spending more, the discussion must now be about. That requires sharp choices, simplification and modernization.”
In addition to the higher payment, the government is critical of the proposed new loan instruments. The cabinet is not in favor of common loans for a new crisis instrument and national investment plans. According to the cabinet, the EU can already borrow money through other instruments in crisis situations. A separate crisis instrument is therefore not necessary.
According to the government, the next European budget offers an opportunity to make the EU future -proof. The EU is of great importance for the prosperity and safety of the Netherlands. The government is therefore positive about the modernization and simplification of the proposed budget by reducing the number of programs and rules, and the focus on the policies of competitiveness, migration and asylum policy and safety and defense. These are also strategic priorities for the Netherlands that are in line with the challenges of today. The cabinet is also happy with the proposed continuation of support to Ukraine.
Minister Van Weel: “Good that the proposed budget focuses on the major challenges in Europe. This also contributes to more safety, a stronger economy and a stronger grip on migration.”
The Cabinet supports the committee’s proposal that certain funds from the EU budget are only paid out if predetermined conditions, reforms or performance have been met, but believes that this should not lead to extra administrative burdens for implementation. The same conditionality also applies to the government for the requirements drawn up by EU countries for the rule of law and compliance with fundamental rights.
Own means decision (income)
The government not only looks at the size of the budget, but also at the financing thereof. Maintaining the discount on the Dutch contribution to the European budget is an important part of the deployment. For the financing of the new MFK, the European Commission proposes 5 new own resources. The government indicates that more information is needed for a complete judgment about these proposals. With regard to its own means based on the turnover contribution, the government is very critical. The government is also not in favor of reducing reimbursement for collecting customs duties as the committee proposes in advance.
Follow-up
The EU member states, the European Commission and the European Parliament are negotiating the proposals of the European Commission for 2 years. The new European budget and the own resources decision must take effect on January 1, 2028.