Audit office criticises “optimistic” budget for 2026

The government’ audit office has criticised the caretaker cabinet’s spending plans for 2026, saying they paint too rosy a picture of the state’s finances.

In particular, billions of euros in savings included in the budget are not supported by facts, the audit office said in its review of the outgoing administration’s 2026 financial planning.

For example, the government has projected spending on asylum to fall from €4 billion in 2026 to just €1 billion in 2027. But this, the audit office says, is based on the assumption that far fewer asylum seekers will come to the Netherlands, something which is not yet based in fact.

The audit office also highlighted cuts in the Netherlands’ annual contribution to the EU, put at €1.6 billion by the outgoing administration. But there is a real risk this will not be realised, the office points out.

Given the Netherlands will elect a new government at the end of next month, the cabinet opted for simple budget without any major new initiatives or spending plans.

However, the early election also makes it unlikely that ministry budgets for 2026 will not be scrutinised in parliament before the start of the year. “That creates uncertainty for citizens, businesses and public bodies, and undermines confidence in government,” the audit office said.