The Netherlands isn’t the one one lagging behind, however it’s far within the rear guard. The a whole lot of billions of euros made obtainable by means of the European Corona Restoration Fund in 2021 haven’t but been spent by the EU member states, in accordance with a report revealed Monday by the European Court docket of Auditors.
The Netherlands solely submitted a primary utility of 1.3 billion euros in Could this yr, says a spokesperson for the European Court docket of Auditors. The cupboard additionally signed the particular association solely then, he says. The association got here into impact in 2021.
With the cash from the fund (RRF), all EU member states can spend money on tasks to beat the financial penalties of the coronavirus pandemic. This contains investments in digitization and inexperienced transition.
The European Fee has already authorised this primary utility from the Netherlands. The finance ministers of the EU member states will talk about the approval at a later time.
The Netherlands desires to spend that first 1.3 billion on investments in healthcare, training, the development of inexpensive housing, and digitization. Over 5.4 billion is accessible for the Netherlands.
On the finish of final yr, lower than a 3rd of the EU nations had utilized for the price range obtainable to them from the fund. Of the cash that has to date been transferred from Brussels to the member states, solely about half has reached ‘finish recipients,’ together with personal firms and faculties.
The European Court docket of Auditors warns of the danger that functions for European cash from the restoration fund can be additional delayed and that tasks won’t be accomplished on time. In consequence, member states might “not benefit from the anticipated financial and social advantages,” says the Court docket of Auditors. The price range stays obtainable till August 2026.
“RRF cash have to be used on time in order that the measures might be applied with out issues earlier than the top of the ability. This additionally reduces the danger of inefficient or irregular expenditures,” says Ivana Maletić, the member of the European Court docket of Auditors liable for the audit.
Funds as soon as disbursed can’t be reclaimed.
