I find this a stupid childish response, a way of printing money for the Gravy Train in Brussells. It is time to take back control in individual countries and say bye bye to the gravy train in these hard times, we cannot afford to keep them any longer.

By Andy | October 18, 2011 4:22 PM

It does not state here anything about the subsidies received from the EU in conjunction with milk production & sales. Is this the real reason for the fine/s?
In any case, a good way for the EU to get extra money, now pass it on to Greece!

By The visitor | October 18, 2011 4:27 PM

That's just stupid and purelay a money grab by the EU. The Dutch "overproduction" is not even 10% of the UK "underproduction." Why weren't the underproducers fined? They were the ones who "endangered" the health of children in the EU by failing to supply the needed nutrients.

By Petr | October 18, 2011 6:55 PM

That's a fine use of money, considering the economy these days!

By Cathy | October 19, 2011 7:27 AM

Shouldn't this be front page news?

By Leon | October 19, 2011 10:15 AM

Don't enter into economic and trade agreements if you don't like the terms of the agreement. Dutch people: take some responsibility for the actions of your government. The Netherlands was a founding member of the European Union, the Eurozone, the European Economic Area and Schengen, with some treaties existing for over 60 years. Don't whine when you get slapped with a violation of treaties you created.

By Some non European | October 19, 2011 1:08 PM

It would sure make more sense to fine the countries that didn't reach their quotas than to fine those that exceeded the quotas!

By Pam | October 19, 2011 2:06 PM

What's next? Being fined for "Breathing". Likely money EU needs to bail out Greece? EU is playing a dangerous game of Russian roulette with all the other EU countries who know how to manage their financial system. The Greek govt was reckless not handling their own debts after the 1st bailout - for their irresponsible actions they brought the consequences upon themselves so they should figure out how to handle it. Seems the EU will find every stupid way to make money to save countries like Greece from falling.

By Stefan | October 19, 2011 11:03 PM

Incomprehensible. I think the problem though is partly that the media don't put these things into context. Why are there milk quotas at all? And why are quotas so important that huge fines are warranted? No one seems to know. Nothing is explained.

By Don | October 20, 2011 6:48 AM

Milk quotas are in place to protect animal rights. Exceeding the quota implies it is the animals that suffer for the "greater good", i.e., greater greed, of profits. It's wrong and they SHOULD be fined.

By Stupid | October 20, 2011 9:00 AM

whats next? more ignorant comments... thanks "some non euro" for a bit of sense, hope some read you properly!

By FiL | October 20, 2011 4:14 PM

Don, the origin of quota systems were in the aftermath of WW2, in the early 50s, when Western European countries decided to coordinate their agriculture policies to avoid shortages but also keep agriculture afloat.

The rationale (not that I agree with) is that overproduction drives price too much down, pushing agricultural firms out of business, which create shortages the following year.

It is a system that has outlived its need, as today we can import milk from Brazil, Argentina etc.

By Andre L. | October 20, 2011 5:51 PM