The Netherlands would have to pay €1bn less to the EU if the contribution is calculated according to gross domestic product rather than a combination of GDP and customs duty, finance minister Jan Kees de Jager has told MPs.

The Netherlands is currently a net payer into the EU coffers because its contribution is boosted by tax income from Rotterdam port and other sources.
According to the Telegraaf, in 2009, the Dutch contribution was €5.5bn, while €1.85bn came back from Brussels in the form of grants and subsidies. The Netherlands has negotiated a €1bn refund on its EU payment but that deal is due to expire in 2014.
De Jager told MPs on Wednesday he is campaigning to reform the way contributions are calculated. In addition, he reiterated the Netherlands’ position that an increase in EU spending, as backed by the European parliament, is ‘not acceptable’.
Earlier stories
EU budget out of all proportion
The Netherlands to press for EU contribution cut
The Netherlands is still a major EU net payer