The cabinet wants the European Union (EU) to make sharp choices in the new European multiannual budget. The Netherlands therefore advocates for a modern and future-oriented EU budget that contributes to strengthening European competitiveness, a robust migration and asylum policy, and security and defense. These priorities address the main challenges facing the Netherlands and the EU. This is stated by Minister Veldkamp of Foreign Affairs and Minister Heinen of Finance in a letter to the House of Representatives.

The current European multiannual budget will expire in 2028. The EU member states will therefore agree for a period of at least five years on what the next so-called European Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will allocate EU funds to. The European Commission is expected to present a proposal for this in July 2025. The cabinet outlines in the letter to the House of Representatives the Dutch position for the negotiations on the next MFF.

The cabinet aims to ensure a modern and future-oriented European multiannual budget with sharp choices – and a stronger position for the EU on the world stage. Additionally, the cabinet wants the EU to be better equipped to respond to unforeseen circumstances. The cabinet also emphasizes that European funds must be used effectively and transparently, with a strong focus on upholding the rule of law. The principle is that the Dutch contributions to the EU do not rise beyond what is currently included in the budget, as agreed in the Framework Agreement. The cabinet believes that this allows for an ambitious European policy to remain possible, even without an increase in contributions.

The negotiations on the MFF will start after the presentation of the proposals from the European Commission. They will be high on the European agenda in the coming years and are expected to last at least two years.