Some 3,000 European Union civil servants earn more than Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte’s gross salary of €144,000, according to social affairs ministry figures, quoted by Nos television.

Christian Democrat MP Pieter Omtzigt had asked for details of EU civil service salaries following changes to the pay system on January 1. In the Netherlands, new rules will stop most public sector workers earning more than the prime minister.

Foreign minister Frans Timmermans said this is one reason the Netherlands is campaigning for a ‘more sober’ pay package for EU officials.