Finland: public finances

What is Finland's budget deficit?

General government ran a deficit of EUR 9.6 billion in 2025, or 3.4% of GDP, according to Statistics Finland's preliminary data reported to Eurostat in April 2026. That was EUR 2.4 billion smaller than in 2024, when the deficit was 4.4% of GDP.

The deficit is above the 3% reference value in the EU's Stability and Growth Pact. Central government accounted for most of it, with net borrowing of EUR 10.9 billion, while social security funds were in surplus by EUR 2.0 billion and local government had a deficit of EUR 0.7 billion. These are national accounts (EDP) figures, which differ from the state budget balance set by Parliament.

Official sources: Statistics Finland: General government deficit and debt 2025

What is Finland's national debt?

General government debt was EUR 259.6 billion at the end of June 2026, or 90.3% of GDP, according to Statistics Finland. Debt grew by EUR 4.8 billion during the quarter and by EUR 13.6 billion over the year. At the end of 2025 the ratio was 88.5%.

This is consolidated gross debt at nominal value on the EU definition (EDP debt), covering central government, local government and social security funds; debts between these sectors are netted out. The EU reference value is 60% of GDP. Statistics Finland publishes the quarterly figures about three months after each quarter ends.

Official sources: Statistics Finland: General government debt, Q2 2026 · Statistics Finland: General government debt by quarter

How much does the Finnish state owe?

Central government debt was EUR 220.2 billion at the end of June 2026, up EUR 4.0 billion in the quarter, according to Statistics Finland. The State Treasury, which manages the debt, puts central government debt at 66.7% of GDP at the end of 2025 (estimate) on its facts about central government debt page.

Central government debt is the part of general government debt owed by the state itself, mostly in bonds and short-term bills. Parliament sets each year's borrowing in the state budget. The State Treasury publishes monthly debt statistics, which may differ slightly from Statistics Finland's figures because of definitions.

Official sources: Statistics Finland: General government debt, Q2 2026 · State Treasury: Facts about central government debt

What is Finland's debt to GDP ratio?

According to the IMF, general government gross debt in Finland was 88.4% of GDP in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 9th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 46.9% of GDP. Worldwide: 33rd of 185.

What is Finland's fiscal deficit?

The IMF puts general government net lending or borrowing in Finland at -3.8% of GDP in 2025, which is a deficit. Since 2005 it has ranged from -5.5% of GDP (2020) to 5.1% of GDP (2007). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was -2.4% of GDP, and Finland placed 37th highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 122nd of 188.

How much does Finland's government take in?

In 2025, general government revenue in Finland was 53.7% of GDP, according to the IMF. The peak was 54.6% of GDP in 2014 and the low 50.9% of GDP in 2020. Europe & Central Asia median: 41.3% of GDP; Finland is 3rd highest of 50. Worldwide: 12th of 187.

How much does Finland's government spend?

The IMF puts general government spending in Finland at 57.5% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 46.7% of GDP (2007) to 57.8% of GDP (2024). Europe & Central Asia median: 43.3% of GDP; Finland is 2nd highest of 50. Of 186 countries with 2025 data, 10th highest.

What is Finland's tax to GDP ratio?

According to the IMF, central government tax revenue in Finland was 25.3% of GDP in 2024. Its high point since 2005 was 2023, at 25.4% of GDP; its low point was 2010, at 18.6% of GDP. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 20.8% of GDP, and Finland placed 8th highest of 42. Of 92 countries with 2024 data, 12th highest.

What is Finland's military budget as a share of GDP?

SIPRI puts military spending in Finland at 2.6% of GDP in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 14th highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 2.0% of GDP. Worldwide: 35th of 149.