Seasonally adjusted government deficit down to 0.9% of GDP in the euro area

The FINANCIAL — In the first quarter of 2017, the seasonally adjusted general government deficit to GDP ratio stood at 0.9% in the euro area (EA19), a decrease compared with 1.1% in the fourth quarter of 2016.

In the EU28, the deficit to GDP ratio stood at 1.0%, a decrease compared with 1.2% in the previous quarter.

Government revenue and expenditure for the euro area and EU28

In the first quarter of 2017, total government revenue in the euro area amounted to 46.5% of GDP, an increase compared with 46.3% in the fourth quarter of 2016. Total government expenditure in the euro area stood at 47.4% of GDP, stable compared to the previous quarter.

In the EU28, total government revenue was 45.2% of GDP in the first quarter of 2017, compared with 45.1% in the fourth quarter of 2016. Total government expenditure in the EU28 was 46.2% of GDP, compared with 46.3% in the previous quarter.