Economy
Budget Deficit in First Half Year Largest Since 2021 Pandemic Year
The Dutch government recorded a budget deficit of 8 billion euros in the first half of 2025, the largest since 2021, according to CBS figures released on Wednesday. Expenditures rose by 5 percent, driven by an 8 billion euro increase in social benefits, while revenues grew by only 4 percent to 265 billion euros. Despite the rising deficit, total public debt remained stable at 524 billion euros. However, due to economic growth, the debt-to-GDP ratio decreased from 44.7 percent at the end of 2025 to 43.7 percent, staying well below the EU's 60 percent threshold.
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