Germany, the EU's main contributor - Records net payments of 13 billion euros, despite the economic crisis
Germany remained the European Union's largest net contributor in 2024, despite the country's economic crisis. However, payments have fallen significantly compared to previous years, according to a study by the German Institute for Economic Research (IW).
Europe's largest economy paid 13.1 billion euros more into the EU budget than it received last year. But the weakening German economy is having its impact: net payments are on a downward trend, compared to 19.7 billion euros in 2022 and 17.4 billion euros in 2023.
France ranks second with net payments of 4.8 billion euros, followed by Italy with 1.6 billion euros. Greece was the largest net beneficiary with 3.5 billion euros, followed by Poland with 2.9 billion and Romania with 2.7 billion euros.
Based on per capita income, German citizens pay around 157 euros net to the EU, the highest figure, followed by Ireland with 130 euros.
"The EU budget is a reflection of economic power relations in Europe. High-growth countries, such as Poland, are receiving less support, while Germany and France are the EU's problem children," experts say.
Germany is forecast to fall below the European average again this year, meaning its net contribution is expected to decrease further, they add.
The EU Commission published statistics on net contributors and beneficiaries until 2020, but then stopped publishing them for political reasons, according to the Institute.
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