Dutch Leader Says Budget Perks Needed for EU-Wide Stimulus Deal

  • Mark Rutte says an ‘idiotic rush’ isn’t necessary in talks
  • He’ll meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel next week

Mark Rutte

Photographer: Bart Maat/AFP via Getty Images

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Prime Minister Mark Rutte said his top priority in negotiating a European Union-wide stimulus package is for the Netherlands to retain the discount it receives when paying its dues into the bloc’s budget, opening a possible avenue for a compromise.

Rutte said he also wants to see conditions attached to any recovery fund that would make sure nations implement reforms to make their economies more competitive.