The Netherlands remains one of the biggest net contributors to the EU
The Netherlands was again one of the biggest net contributors to the EU in 2023. It paid over €3 billion more into the EU than it received. This can be seen from the regular update of the Court of Audit’s EU webpage.
The Netherlands was the biggest net contributor to the EU after Germany in 2023 (as a percentage of gross national income, as defined by the European Commission). This is the balance of receipts from and contributions to the EU. The year 2023 has been added to the figures based on information provided by the European Commission. The balance of contributions and receipts in 2023 was -0.3% of GNI.
COVID-19 recovery fund not included
The figures do not include the Netherlands’ receipts and contributions in respect of the COVID-19 recovery fund. The Netherlands received no money from the fund in 2023 and the repayment of loans will not begin until 2028. Furthermore, the net payment position relates only to direct funds flows. It does not provide any information on other financial, economic or social costs and benefits that a country experiences from its membership of the EU.
The Court of Audit reports twice a year on the Netherlands’ receipts from the EU, its contributions to the EU and the way in which it implements EU laws. The Court of Audit also reports on developments in public finances that are relevant to the Netherlands.