New Eurostat figures show that Hungary’s public spending fell from 48.9% of GDP in 2010 to 47.1% in 2024, even as the EU average returned to around 50% after the pandemic recovery period.
Despite lower spending, Hungary’s budget deficit worsened from -4.4% of GDP in 2010 to -5% in 2024, placing the country among the five highest‑deficit members of the EU27.
Social spending dropped sharply from 17.3% of GDP in 2010 to 12.3% in 2024, including declines in pensions from 7.9% to 6.9%, disability support from 3.8% to 1.8%, family benefits from 2.6% to 1.6%, unemployment aid from 0.8% to 0.3%, and housing support from 0.6% to 0.1%.
Meanwhile, general government services rose to 10% of GDP, giving Hungary the highest share in the EU, and debt‑service costs increased from 4.2% to 5% of GDP.
Defense spending doubled from 1.1% to 2% of GDP, while education fell from 5.5% to 4.9% and healthcare from 5% to 4.7%, pushing Hungary to the bottom of the EU ranking in both sectors.
Local governments saw their share of total spending collapse from 12.4% in 2010 to 5.9% in 2024, further constrained by HUF 310 billion in solidarity contributions.
