Europe wants our money

The budget increase that Europe is aiming for represents an extra cost of EUR 2.8 billion a year for Belgium. The EU is asking for more resources to finance new challenges and compensate for the departure of the British. MEP Sander Loones is displeased and dismayed by the European thirst for money: “If Europe gets its way, Flanders will end up paying for Brexit twice. A first time with the loss of exports and a second time to top up European coffers.”

Fewer members in the club means fewer membership fees to work with

MEP Loones is asking that Europe first cut its spending and manage its resources more efficiently. He’s not alone in this regard. Other net contributors such as the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden and Denmark are refusing to pay more. “The Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, was clear: ‘Accept that the British are leaving and that the budget is getting smaller’. After all, fewer members in the club means fewer membership fees to work with,” Sander Loones explains.

Cost savings in an old policy

What’s more, Sander Loones sees room to reallocate existing budgets. For example, 70% of the EU’s expenditure goes on agriculture and structural funds, and savings made in these areas would free up money for new challenges such as migration and security. “The EU just keeps on asking for more Europe and more of taxpayers’ money. To do what? To continue an old policy. The citizens of Europe won’t stand for that any longer,” MEP Loones concludes.