The Netherlands is to press for an increase in EU spending in line with inflation but no more, prime minister Mark Rutte said during a debate on the European budget proposals.

A majority of MPs back a freeze on spending, but Rutte said the chance of achieving this is zero because of a lack of political support in other member states.
And if the Netherlands sticks to a budget freeze it will be more difficult to win a €1bn rebate on the Dutch contributions to Brussels, Rutte said. Without that rebate, the government will have to find more savings.
According to the Telegraaf, in 2009, the Dutch contribution was €5.5bn, while €1.85bn came back from Brussels in the form of grants and subsidies. The Netherlands has negotiated a €1bn refund on its EU payment but that deal is due to expire in 2014.
The European Commission wants a 4.9% increase in its budget for 2012.
Earlier stories
No increase in cash for Brussels, says a majority of MPs
The Netherlands pays too much to Europe
EU budget out of all proportion
The Netherlands to press for EU contribution cut
The Netherlands is still a major EU net payer
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