Government expenditure by function, 2024

Government expenditure highest for social protection: 17.1% of GDP

Compared to 2023, expenditure went up by 7.2% in nominal terms to EUR 11,505 million. As a percentage of GDP, the expenditure went up from 16.8% to 17.1% of GDP. Approximately 90% of expenditure was in the form of social benefits and social transfers in kind. Of total government expenditure for social protection, over a half was spent for old age (mainly for old age pensions); this expenditure increased by 9.4% to EUR 6,916 million. Expenditure for sickness and disability increased by 7.1% to EUR 1,729 million (mainly for sick leave and disability pensions). Expenditure for family and children went up by 4.0% to EUR 1,205 million and expenditure for unemployment by 3.2% to EUR 202 million.

8.0% of GDP spent for health

For health, EUR 5,402 million was spent. Compared to the previous year, expenditure increased in nominal terms by 15.0%. The increased expenditure follows changed financing of healthcare, i.e. the abolition of supplementary health insurance and the introduction of a mandatory health contribution. Expenditure increased for all health services, except for public health, which decreased by EUR 42 million due to the end of the COVID-19 epidemic. About 36% of expenditure was in the form of compensation of employees, 30% in the form of social transfers in kind and 25% in the form of intermediate consumption. Looking at a more detailed level, hospital services accounted for 3.4% of GDP, outpatient services for 2.4% of GDP and medical products, appliances and equipment for 1.5% of GDP.

Expenditure for economic affairs from 6.6% to 5.7% of GDP

This expenditure decreased by EUR 332 million from 2023 to 2024. Expenditure for subsidies decreased by 41% to EUR 615 million (in 2023 measures related to mitigating the energy crisis took place). On the other hand, expenditure for gross fixed capital formation increased by EUR 96 million over the previous year. The majority of the expenditure related to eliminating the consequences of the 2023 floods is included in economic affairs.

15.7% of GDP spent for other functions

For education, 5.5% of GDP was spent. Expenditure went up nominally by 6.5% to EUR 3,710 million. 4.6% of GDP was spent for general public services. The main category of general public services refers to public debt transaction (interest payment); compared to 2023, expenditure increased by 8.5% to EUR 856 million. General public services include expenditure for basic research, for which 0.6% of GDP was spent in 2024. For public order and safety, 1.5% of GDP was spent, for recreation, culture and religion also 1.5% of GDP and for defence 1.4%. In addition, 0.7% of GDP was spent for environmental protection, and 0.4% for housing and communities amenities.

Table with the latest data is available in the SiStat Database.