The Netherlands Court of Audit regularly audits how the money that the Netherlands receives from and pays to the European Union is spent. We examine whether European grants are spent in accordance with the rules, and whether they are effective.
And we audit what is known about problems implementing EU regulations in the Netherlands. We also assess whether the Dutch government provides a proper account of the way in which EU grants are spent.
The European Union is effectively the fourth tier of government in the Netherlands alongside the local authorities, provincial councils and central government. Virtually all policy areas are affected in some way by EU policy.
European laws must be either implemented in full (in the case of Regulations) or transposed into Dutch law (in the case of Directives). The Netherlands receives grants from the EU each year and makes annual financial contributions to the EU budget.
Information on this website is derived from public sources.
News
Surface water concentration of harmful industrial substances barely improved in 12 years
The Netherlands Court of Audit has investigated the concentration of 15 harmful industrial substances in Dutch surface waters ...
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The Netherlands paid less and received more from the EU in 2024
The Netherlands contributed less to the European Union in 2024 than in previous years. Its contribution for the year came to €7.5 ...
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Thoughts about EU performance-based funding
By letter of 10 September 2025, the Netherlands Court of Audit informed the House of Representatives of its first impressions of ...
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