Prime minister will not use veto over new EU budgets

Prime minister Mark Rutte will not use his veto during discussions on a new multi-year budget for the European Union, he told MPs on Tuesday night.

Speaking during a debate ahead of Wednesday’s summit, Rutte said he will do his best to ensure the Netherlands does not have to make a top-up payment of at least €350m, but that the chance of that happening is ‘very small’.

Several opposition parties oppose the payment of the extra bill, needed to make sure Brussels balances its books. However, the ruling parties, plus the D66 Liberals and GroenLinks, oppose reopening the talks.

In addition, Rutte feels using his veto could jeopardise the Netherlands’ €1bn discount on its EU contributions, he told MPs.

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