Netherlands and five other countries want deep cuts to EU budget

The Netherlands, alongside Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Austria, has officially called for a fundamental reform of the European Union budget. These six nations, which collectively contribute approximately 40 percent of the EU's total revenue, argue that the proposed two-trillion-euro spending plan for the next seven years is excessive. They are advocating for a reduction of hundreds of billions of euros, demanding a shift in priorities toward defense and innovation instead of traditional agricultural and regional subsidies.

The push for fiscal restraint faces significant opposition from other member states, such as Spain and Italy, who remain committed to maintaining current levels of regional and agricultural support. As all 27 EU member states must reach a unanimous agreement, the upcoming negotiations are expected to be complex. The goal is to finalize the budget framework for the period starting in 2028 before the end of the current year.