Dutch local governments receive €1.5 billion in EU subsidies

Dutch decentralized governments, including municipalities, provinces, and water boards, have received nearly €1.5 billion in European subsidies over the decade spanning April 2016 to April 2026.

Experts from Kenniscentrum Europa and ERAC report that these funds support approximately 1,996 projects addressing social inclusion, labor market development, biodiversity, climate adaptation, and digitalization. The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is a major contributor, accounting for €212 million, which represents nearly half of the total funds from national European programs received by these local authorities.

Decentralized governments often act as initiators or partners in these projects, even when the final beneficiaries are businesses or research institutions. The data indicates that European cooperation is now deeply integrated into Dutch local governance.