Why the Netherlands rejected the new Irish EU budget compromise

The Netherlands has flatly rejected a new Irish compromise proposal for the European Union’s next long-term budget, raising fresh doubts about the chances of reaching a deal before the end of the year. With Germany also signalling resistance, one of Prime Minister António Costa’s key political objectives now appears increasingly uncertain. Behind the scenes, The Hague is working with a small group of fiscally conservative member states to push Brussels toward a much leaner budget and a different set of priorities.