On Wednesday 10 June, President Pieter Duisenberg and Stef Blok (Member of the European Court of Auditors) briefed an audience of parliamentarians (members of the House of Representatives, the Senate and the European Parliament), academics and civil servants on the latest insights and lessons on the effective use of EU funds and the audit of that spending. Negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework (the EU budget) have begun. The choices made during these negotiations will influence how audit institutions examine the proper and effective use of EU funds.
The European Commission’s proposals provide for an expansion of the performance-based financing instrument. Research by the Netherlands Court of Audit and the European Court of Auditors shows that this approach offers both advantages and disadvantages.
“There needs to be a better understanding of the societal impact of EU funding. I believe national audit institutions have an important role to play in this regard,” said President Pieter Duisenberg.
Stef Blok also sees opportunities for improvement in the new MFF period: “The European Court of Auditors has made research into performance-based funding a key priority. Based on our findings, we have been able to advise European and national legislators on ways to improve the Commission’s proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework.”
Dr Mendeltje van Keulen opened the meeting with an overview of the negotiation timeline and key milestones in the Multiannual Financial Framework process. A keynote address by Professor Roel Beetsma (University of Amsterdam), followed by reflections from Dr Mira Scholten (Utrecht University) and Dr Sandrino Smeets (Radboud University Nijmegen), explained the science behind budgeting and public policy. During a panel discussion, Michiel Hoogeveen MP, Tom van der Lee MP and Dirk Gotink MEP provided insight into the choices that need to be made.
The Netherlands Court of Audit looks back on a successful event and thanks all speakers for their valuable contributions to this informative gathering.
As the Netherlands Court of Audit is temporarily relocating, the event took place in the Gothic Hall of the Council of State in The Hague. From 12 June 2026 onwards, the Netherlands Court of Audit will be pleased to welcome visitors to its temporary premises at Lange Vijverberg 3, The Hague.