Allowance affair discussed in Brussels

Benefits affair discussed in Brussels: 'This was not China, but the Netherlands'

Aida Brands

editor Brussels

“This did not happen in China, but in the Netherlands.” The surprise came through in the words of Saskia Bricmont, the Belgian MEP for the Greens, in the debate about the benefits affair in the Netherlands.

That debate was on the agenda in the European Parliament on Wednesday evening. At first, it may seem strange that a Dutch issue is being discussed in Strasbourg, but according to politicians, there are lessons for other EU countries to learn from the affair.

Samira Rafaela, MEP for D66, already asked the European Commission questions last year about the benefits affair. In tonight's debate, she also mentioned that the Netherlands was breaking European and international laws, for example via the controversial algorithm of the tax authorities.

Also an EU topic
Rafaela is pleased that the topic is now also being addressed in the European arena. “As a member of the EU, you don't just have the pleasures. You also have a duty of care for your residents,” she says. According to her, there is even enough reason for the Commission to launch a so-called infringement procedure and slap the Netherlands on the wrist.

European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli attended the debate. According to her, the benefits scandal exposed the risk of ethnic profiling, but the Dutch government is now working to correct these errors.

However, this does not seem to allay the major concerns of most MEPs. Many countries work with algorithms and Europol also uses software to track down criminals. “Every corner of the EU should be safe for citizens, no matter the color of their hair or skin,” said Evin Encir, the Swedish MEP for Social Democrats.

'Commission needs to get to work'
According to the MEPs, the Commission must do two things. For example, it must be better controlled whether countries are doing everything they can to address discrimination. In addition, the errors of the benefits affair should also be included in the new law to supervise artificial intelligence.

Some MEPs are calling for data no longer to be used in investigation. Other MEPs, such as Agnes Jongerius of the PvdA, are calling for people's dual nationality to no longer be included in the data.

European Commissioner Dalli closed the debate and emphasized that the mistakes in the Netherlands were eventually noticed. The Commission will also closely monitor whether the affected parents will be compensated in the near future.