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Eurostat: Majority of EU States Breached Fiscal Rules in 2024

The release intensifies scrutiny of existing deficit procedures under the Stability and Growth Pact.

Overview

  • Eurostat confirmed that 21 of 27 EU members ran deficits in 2024, with only Luxembourg, Greece, Cyprus, Denmark, Ireland and Portugal avoiding shortfalls.
  • Twelve countries exceeded the 3% of GDP deficit ceiling, led by Romania with a 9.3% shortfall.
  • Twelve member states also surpassed the 60% debt-to-GDP reference, with the highest ratios in Greece (154.2%), Italy (134.9%) and France (113.2%).
  • Germany reported a 2.7% deficit and a 62.2% debt ratio, placing it below the deficit cap but above the debt benchmark.
  • EU deficit procedures are already under way against several members, including France and Italy, exposing them to potential sanctions.