1.1. Contact organisation

Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union

1.2. Contact organisation unit

D1: Excessive deficit procedure, methodology and GFS

1.3. Contact name

Confidential because of GDPR

1.4. Contact person function

Confidential because of GDPR

1.5. Contact mail address

2920 Luxembourg LUXEMBOURG

1.6. Contact email address

Confidential because of GDPR

1.7. Contact phone number

Confidential because of GDPR

1.8. Contact fax number

Confidential because of GDPR

2.1. Metadata last certified

22 April 2025

2.2. Metadata last posted

22 April 2025

2.3. Metadata last update

22 April 2025

3.1. Data description

The data correspond to quarterly non-financial accounts for the general government sector which are conceptually consistent with the corresponding annual data compiled on a national accounts (ESA 2010) basis. All data is at current prices.
The data sets contain quarterly general government (S.13) total expenditure and total revenue figures, as well as their breakdowns by relevant categories and the resulting quarterly government deficit/surplus. 

Both non-seasonally and seasonally and calendar adjusted data is collected. 

Data for the subsectors of general government (S.1311 central government, S.1312 state government, where applicable, S.1313 local government, S.1314 social security funds, where applicable) is also collected. 

Data coverage is best for general government non-seasonally adjusted data.

3.2. Classification system

See European System of Accounts (ESA2010)

3.3. Coverage - sector

General government sector (S.13), which according to the ESA2010 includes:

• central government (S.1311);
• state government, where applicable (S.1312);
• local government (S.1313) and;
• social security funds, where applicable (S.1314).

3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions

The data correspond to quarterly non-financial accounts for the general government sector which are consistent with the corresponding annual data compiled on a national accounts (ESA2010) basis.

The domain presents main aggregates (transactions and balancing items) for the general government sector. A number of countries additionally provide data for the subsectors of general government (central government, state government, local government, social security funds). A number of countries also provide data on taxes received by the institutions of the EU (S.212).

The indicators are reported under Table 25 'quarterly non-financial accounts for general government' on the basis of a gentlement agreement with Member States in the Financial Accounts Working Group. For definitions of the transactions, see European system of accounts, 2010 edition (ESA2010).

The following indicators are available:

The following national accounts' indicators are collected:

P.11 + P.12 + P.131  -  Market output, output for own final use and payments for non-market output
P.2  -  Intermediate consumption
B.1g  -  Value added, gross
P.51c  -  Consumption of fixed capital
D.1p  -  Compensation of employees, expenditure
D.29p  -  Other taxes on production, expenditure
D.39r  -  Other subsidies on production, revenue
D.2r  -  Taxes on production and imports, revenue
D.21r  -  Taxes on products, revenue
D.211r  -  Value added types taxes (VAT), revenue
D.29r  -  Other taxes on production, revenue
D.4r  -  Property income, revenue
D.41r  -  Interest, revenue
D.42r + D.43r + D.44r + D.45r  -  Other property income, revenue
D.3p  -  Subsidies, expenditure
D.31p  -  Subsidies on products, expenditure
D.39p  -  Other subsidies on production, expenditure
D.4p  -  Property income, expenditure
D.41p  -  Interest, expenditure
D.42p + D.43p + D.44p + D.45p  -  Other property income, expenditure
D.5r  -  Current taxes on income, wealth etc., revenue
D.51r  -  Taxes on income, revenue
D.59r  -  Other current taxes, revenue
D.61r  -  Net social contributions, revenue
D.611r  -  Employers' actual social contributions
D.613r  -  Households' actual social contributions
D.7r  -  Other current transfers, revenue
D.5p  -  Current taxes on income, wealth etc., expenditure
D.62p  -  Social benefits
D.632p  -  Social transfers in kind — purchased market production, expenditure
D.62p + D.632p  -  Social benefits other than social transfers in kind and social transfers in kind — purchased market production, expenditure
D.7p  -  Other current transfers, expenditure
P.3  -  Final consumption expenditure
P.31  -  Individual consumption expenditure
P.32  -  Collective consumption expenditure
D.8  -  Adjustment for the change in pension entitlements
B.8g  -  Saving, gross
D.9r  -  Capital transfers, revenue
D.91r  -  Capital taxes, revenue
D.92r + D.99r  -  Investment grants and other capital transfers, revenue
D.9p  -  Capital transfers, expenditure
D.92p  -  Investment grants, expenditure
P.5  -  Gross capital formation
P.51g  -  Gross fixed capital formation
P.52 + P.53  -  Changes in inventories and acquisitions less disposals of valuables
NP  -  Acquisitions less disposals of non-financial non-produced assets
P.5 + NP  -  Gross capital formation and acquisitions less disposals of non-financial non‑produced assets
B.9  -  Net lending (+)/ net borrowing (—)
TE  -  Total expenditure
TR  -  Total revenue
D.995  -  Capital transfers from general government to relevant sectors representing taxes and social contributions assessed but unlikely to be collected.

- Net lending (+) / Net borrowing (-) (B.9) is the difference between general government revenue and expenditure.

Furthermore, due to a seasonal pattern of taxes, other revenues, and certain expenditure items the quarterly evolution is volatile and country specific. Therefore, users should be cautious in its analysis before making any extrapolation or drawing conclusions based on its quarterly evolution. Users should be aware that the amplitude of the seasonality and the nature of seasonality varies considerably across countries.

Quarterly government finance statistics are reported to Eurostat in the form of non-seasonally adjusted (raw) figures. However, a certain number of the reported series contain seasonal patterns (partly explained by the link with the seasonality of economic activity and by the budgetary planning and accounting practices of national governments), which make it difficult to carry out a direct meaningful cross-country and time series analysis. The same is true for GDP, which reflects the seasonal pattern of all economic activities in the economy. 

To overcome this difficulty and thus to gain a better understanding of trends in addition to the non-seasonally adjusted data, seasonally adjusted data is presented for the EU Member States and EA-19 and selected countries. The seasonal adjustment for total revenue and total expenditure is done using an indirect procedure (at country level using Tramo-Seats in Demetra+).

 

Where available, National Statistical Institutes own estimates are used as input for the aggregates, which are supplied to Eurostat on a gentlemen's agreement basis. Some country level estimates as well as data for the EU aggregates are published on Eurobase. These estimates are supplemented by Eurostat's own estimates for those countries, which do not yet supply their own estimate. This data is labelled confidential and not published.

 

Net lending (+)/ net borrowing (-) is derived indirectly from the accounting identity:
Net lending (+)/ net borrowing (-) = total revenue - total expenditure.

 

As concerns GDP, no independent estimate is derived.

3.5. Statistical unit

Institutional units and groupings of units as defined in ESA2010.

3.6. Statistical population

Target population is the general government sector (S.13) as well as its subsectors.

3.7. Reference area

EU and euro area aggregates, EU Member States and EFTA countries.

3.8. Coverage - Time

The length of the time period varies across countries.

3.9. Base period

Not applicable.

Data are expressed in millions of Euro, millions of national currency units and as percentages of GDP.

For euro area countries, for reference periods prior to accession of the country to the euro area, data in national currency are expressed in euro-fixed, that is the former national currency divided by the irrevocable exchange rate.

The reference period is the quarter.

6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements

Gentlemen's agreement with Member States.

6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing

Not available.

7.1. Confidentiality - policy

Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European statistics (recital 24 and Article 20(4)) of 11 March 2009 (OJ L 87, p. 164), stipulates the need to establish common principles and guidelines ensuring the confidentiality of data used for the production of European statistics and the access to those confidential data with due account for technical developments and the requirements of users in a democratic society.

7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment

Confidential data is flagged 'C'.

Only authorised staff have access to the database. They have signed appropriate documentation on handling of confidential data.

There are blocks which prevent the inadvertent extraction and publication of confidential data.

8.1. Release calendar

The data are received at by t+3 months after the end of the reference quarter from reporting countries (e.g. European Union Member States and EFTA countries). They are then processed and released gradually up to around t+112 days after the end of the reference quarter. Quarterly government deficit is published in a euroindicator news release. The planned release dates are thus published on the Eurostat website (release calendar). Revisions received by Eurostat in between the main release dates are processed and published. 

8.2. Release calendar access

See 8.1.

8.3. Release policy - user access

In line with the Community legal framework and the European Statistics Code of Practice Eurostat disseminates European statistics on Eurostat's website (see item 10 - 'Accessibility and clarity') respecting professional independence and in an objective, professional and transparent manner in which all users are treated equitably. The detailed arrangements are governed by the Eurostat protocol on impartial access to Eurostat data for users. Pre-release is granted to DG ECFIN and the ECB in line with existing MoU and SLA as well as the impartiality protocol.

The data are disseminated at least each quarter.

10.1. Dissemination format - News release

Not available.

10.2. Dissemination format - Publications

Additional data is published in Statistics Explained.

10.3. Dissemination format - online database

Please consult data on-line or refer to contact details.

Data access path:
Data (Economy and Finance);
      Government Statistics;
          Quaterly Government Finance Statistics;
                     Quarterly non-financial accounts for general government.

10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access

Not applicable (aggregated data, any microdata received in the course of validation would be strictly confidential).

10.5. Dissemination format - other

Not available

10.6. Documentation on methodology

The methodological framework comprises:

• European System of Accounts, 2010 edition (ESA2010);
• Manual on Compilation of Taxes and Social Payments on a Quarterly Basis (2002);
• Manual on quarterly non-financial accounts for general government - 2011 edition. However, it relates to data collection under ESA95. An update referring to ESA2010 methodology is planned. 

Manuals are available on Eurostat's website.

10.7. Quality management - documentation

The European Commission (Eurostat) submitted in 2006 a report to the European Parliament and Council assessing the reliability of quarterly data delivered by Member States.

This quality report was updated in 2008, on the basis of recent developments and improvements in data quality achieved since the publication of the first report in 2006. The updated quality report is available on the Eurostat website.

11.1. Quality assurance

Not available.

11.2. Quality management - assessment

The overall quality of the QNFAGG data is considered to be very good.

All important aspects of quality were covered in the previous quality report released in 2006. This document served as an incentive for further improving the QNFAGG data quality. The quality of data improved, over the years following the publication of the first quality report, as shown in the update of quality report, released in July 2008.

12.1. Relevance - User Needs

QNFAGG data users are classified as follows:

• General users, general public who access to the data through the Eurostat Web Site (Eurobase) or through the Web Page of the Specific Section on Government Finance Statistics;
• National Statistical Institutes (NSIs);
• The Directorate-General Statistics of the European Central Bank (ECB);
• European Commission, Directorate-General of Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN);
• Quarterly Sector Accounts (QSA) compilers within Eurostat, who use QNFAGG data as input for the compilation of QSA;
• The units within Eurostat in charge of data for the excessive deficit procedure (EDP).

12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction

Assessed through regular meetings with key users. Permanent contacts are maintained with advanced institutional users (e.g. the European Central Bank, The Economic and Financial Affairs Directorate-General of the Commission).

12.3. Completeness

QNFAGG data completeness is good, in line with a gentlemen's agreement with Member States.

13.1. Accuracy - overall

Not available.

13.2. Sampling error

Not available.

13.3. Non-sampling error

Not available.

14.1. Timeliness

Quarterly data are to be delivered three months after the end of the quarter to which the data relate. Quarterly data are released at around t+112 days after the reference quarter.

14.2. Punctuality

Punctuality of data transmission is considered very good under the terms of the Gentlemen's agreement with Memeber States. For further details, see also  "Quality report on QNFAGG - Update of July 2008", paragraph 1.

15.1. Comparability - geographical

Comparability between countries is ensured by the implementation of ESA2010 rules.

15.2. Comparability - over time

Many Member States have reported no breaks in their time series.

15.3. Coherence - cross domain

The following consistency checks with other datasets are carried out:

• Quarterly data are compared with annual data.
• Quarterly non-financial accounts for general government are checked with Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) data.
• The statistical discrepancy between financial and non-financial accounts (B.9-B.9f) is closely followed.

For further details, see also paragraph 5 of the last update of the quality report mentioned in Section 11.2

15.4. Coherence - internal

Provisional data are checked with final data.

Not available.

17.1. Data revision - policy

To further specify the general Eurostat revision policy, the following revision policy has been established for government finance statistics.

Revision policy is set at the level of national authorities. In general, the data are revised for the latest years according to change from preliminary to half-finalised and final data sources. The complete time series can be revised due to changes in the methodology or methods of data compilation, correction of errors or in case of major and benchmark revisions. Revisions are accepted at any time and following validation, data is the republished for the country and EU / euro area aggregates concerned. 

Revisions are broadly classified in 3 categories:

• current revisions, occuring each quarter and mainly affecting the past quarters of the same year;
• major regular revisions taking place on a regular basis to incorporate results of changes in surveys and/or in estimation procedures, of new basic data sources, integrating the results of new censuses and/or of new estimation methods;
• major occasional revisions deriving from major methodological changes in national accounts, like changes in concepts and definitions and/or in the classifications used (examples are the adoption of a new accounting system - like in September 2014 the introduction of ESA2010 - or the use of a new nomenclature).

17.2. Data revision - practice

Data revisions may occur at any time. Major changes in methodology are the result of legislation, and therefore announced in the Official Journal. However, some changes may be implemented beforehand on the basis of gentlemen's agreements.

All reported errors (once validated) result in corrections of the disseminated data.

Reported errors are corrected in the disseminated data as soon as the correct data have been validated.

Data for specific countries may be published even if they are missing for other countries or flagged as provisional. They are replaced with final data once transmitted and validated. European aggregates are recalculated every time new data is published and are released simultaneously.

Whenever new data are provided and validated, the already disseminated data are updated.

In routine revisions, the length of the time series revised is country-specific and depends on the relevance of source data updates. .

Within each GFS table, aggregates and components are revised at the same time. Between different GFS tables, the update schedule for routine revisions may differ.

As part of routine revisions, temporal consistency (annual/quarterly) is usually established at coinciding transmission deadlines.

While the revision calendar for government finance statistics is described by the scheduled releases indicated on the Eurostat website, revisions can occur at any time.

The impact of routine and major revisions is analysed prior to data validation and documented in metadata in case of notable changes.

Notable time series breaks caused by changes in data sources or incomplete application of a methodological change are flagged. Major revisions remove such breaks in series as far as feasible. .

Major revisions are documented internally and described in metadata and data releases in broad terms.

Coordinated major revisions are pre-announced, though individual countries may undertake additional major revisions. In addition, before and during implementation, major revisions in national accounts are communicated.

 

National revision practices for quarterly non-financial accounts for general government:

Country	QNFAGG Revision policy
BE	Only quarters during the period 2021-2024 are updated.
BG	Quarterly data for general government sector are revised in the following cases: when a new quarter is provided if necessary data for previous quarters are updated, incorporating new additional information, reclassification and other improvements; when the annual data become available, because the quarterly data are reported earlier than the annual data; in March and September, when quarterly data are adjusted in accordance with the notification tables of the Excessive Deficit Procedure; planned methodological revisions.
CZ	Data of current quarters are revised within the current year.  Data of 8 or 16 quarters are revised within the notification.  Data are revised whenever annual national accounts are revised.
DK	Fully coordinated with national accounts.
DE	In the area concerned (first estimate of the quarterly figures) missing data from the quarterly basic statistics are supplemented by estimates, taking into account all available data (in particular legal changes). Once the missing quarterly basic statistics become available, the results are revised step by step. After revisions, the results are largely based on quarterly basic statistics. Finally, the provisional results are squared with the later final annual results (alignment).
EE	Revisions are aligned with QSA and annual accounts (2024Q2 was revised). 17 quarters (four previous years and the first quarter of the current year) are revised backwards during the transmissions in September. In other transmissions backward revisions are applied only if a very urgent problem is identified. For 2023, an exceptional revision was performed for March 2025 transmission, mainly to revise the recording of military expenditure. Therefore, 2023Q1-2024Q3 were revised.
IE	For QSA: Q1 to Q3 can be revised at Q4 of the current year Annual revisions in June can go back as far as Q1 2002.
EL	Annual Revisions every April and October.
ES	QNFAGG/EDP and QSA are fully consistent.
FR	The main data provider for QNFAGG is the DGFiP (Direction Générale des Finances Publiques). DGFiP figures are used as indicators for computing the account series, following the same econometric method as for quarterly national accounts in general. As a consequence, the coefficients of regressions (and, hence, the quarterly QNFAGG accounts) are revised every year when new annual data become available and econometric regressions are re-estimated. This method implies that the quarterly series are revised for the whole period when new annual figures are available.
HR	In accordance with the audit policy of CBS, the quarters for the last 16 months are revised when the annual T2, ie at the time of the April and October notifications. In October, quarters are revised for the entire period in case of sectoral changes. In June and December, the quarters of the current year are revised. The exception to this rule could occur in some quarters due to updates of tax data.
IT	The revision policy of QNFAGG is, in principle, the same of the QNA and QSA as to the number of quarters revised: Quarterly revisions: data are revised for the previous quarters of the current year (Q1 in September transmission, till Q2 in December transmission, till Q3 in March transmission) and for the quarters of the previous years. Releases for year T: * March the quarterly revision is compliant with the new annual GG account just released; 15 quarters revised +Q4 of the year T-1 (first release). * June 16 quarters revised + Q1 of the current year (first release). * September the quarterly revision includes the new annual GG account (second release); all time series are revised + Q2 of the current year (first release). * December 18 quarters revised + Q3 of the current year (first release). Historical revision: once every 5 years (all time series are revised).
LV	In the period between the first and the second notification, revisions are made according to more detailed data sources, which become available, e.g., "Annual Report on Central Government Budget Execution and on Local Government Budgets of the Republic of Latvia, current year n-1, Ministry of Finance". Quarterly data used for the first notification on re-classified enterprises, is replaced by data from annual balance sheets and profit and loss accounts.
LT	Quarterly data are always revised when final annual data are available. Quarterly data are fully consistent with annual data as well as with EDP data. Revisions are done two times per year. Length of revised time series depends on revisions to EDP data and other ESA aggregates.
LU	Revisions arise on a) publication of a new quarter and b) publication of annual national accounts results. Revisions occur mainly due to the notfications in the framework of the Excessive Deficit Procedure (March and September) and due to the publication of annual national accounts. As a consequence, quarterly data have to be adjusted to these revisions. Furthermore, major and minor revisions are included in every quarterly transmission, following the availability of definitive data.
HU	Quarterly data are revised twice a year, along with the compilation of EDP Notification. The first three quarters can be revised when updated data are available.
MT	Quarterly revisions : number of quarters: 12 to 16 Annual revisions : number of quarters: 12 to 16 Benchmark revisions occur every 5 years.
NL	Quarterly data are revised in March and June. In March the quarterly data for the first three quarters of t-1 are revised and published simultaneously with the 4th quarter. In June the quarters for the years t-1, t-2, t-3 are revised to align with the new annual data published end of June.
AT	Five quarters are revised at the compilation of Q2; at Q3 there may be a revision of two quarters; at Q4 the revision comprises eleven quarters.
PL	General Government statistics are revised when annual data are available. Then this data source is corrected for four quarters backwards.
PT	QNFAGG data are revised twice a year, in Q2 and Q4 of each year, according to the revision of EDP data (which can revise the data for the 4 previous years). QNFAGG data in those two moments in the year can revise the entire series.
RO	Revisions are when annual data are available. Quarterly data are revised when annual data become available.
SI	Every quarter data can be revised for all quarters of a current year. Quarters of previous years are revised only in parallel with annual accounts and EDP publications.
SK	QNFAGG data are revised twice a year to be consistent with other GFS tables. Usually, the revision is performed for last 16 quarters at maximum. According to our new revision policy, quarterly and annual NA data are revised twice a year:  in May and in October  to be in compliance with related tables (GFS and others).
FI	Revisions arise on publication of a new quarter and publication of annual national accounts.
SE	Revisions arise on a) publication of a new quarter and b) publication of annual national accounts results.
NO	The revision policy of QNFAGG follows the revision policy of QNA and QSA. In March, three quarters are revised. In June, four quarters are revised. In September, one quarter is revised. In December, ten quarters are revised. In coordination with non-financial national accounts, revised QNFAGG will be released in December 2025. The full time series from 2002 onwards will be revised.
CH	Revisions arise on a) publication of a new quarter (all quarters of the current year are revised) and b) publication of annual national accounts results (the last 5 years are revised).

18.1. Source data

Quarterly non-financial accounts for general government are primarily derived from administrative and other records of general government. Once more detailed annual information becomes available (not all units in general government may have detailed quarterly reports), the data is benchmarked on annual GFS data.

18.2. Frequency of data collection

The data are collected on quarterly basis.

18.3. Data collection

Reporting tables on quarterly non-financial accounts for general government are to be filled in by national authorities.

Once data are compiled by national authorities in the reporting format, they are transmitted to Eurostat, using the SDMX/XML format.

18.4. Data validation

Data are loaded into Eurostat Reference Database once validated by Eurostat. The validation process consists of arithmetic and quality checks as well as consistency with ESA2010 methodology.

The main checks conducted are:

• Accounting and arithmetic relationships between general government total expenditure and total revenue and their components;
• Consistency between quarterly non-financial accounts for general government data and corresponding annual data (e.g. ESA table 2);
• Consistency with EDP Notifications figures;
• Large revisions and outlier detection; recording of large operations.

18.5. Data compilation

Quarterly data should be based as much as possible on direct information from basic sources, shall be completed by coverage adjustments, if needed, and by conceptual adjustments in order to bring quarterly data in line with ESA2010 concepts. The quarterly data and the corresponding annual data transmitted under table 2 ‘Main aggregates of general government' of the ESA2010 transmission programme should be consistent.

Data are transmitted in national currency. Eurostat converts into Euro using quarterly average exchange rates.

EU and euro area series are formed by the aggregation of the country data.

A Manual on Compilation of Taxes and Social Payments on a Quarterly Basis was first published in 2002.

A Manual on Quarterly Non-Financial Accounts for General Government (2006) replaces the first manual providing methodological guidance and describing Member States' compilation practices for all ESA95 transactions.

An updated Manual on Quarterly Non-Financial Accounts for General Government (2011 edition) was released in September 2011.

18.6. Adjustment

Not available.

For more specific or general comments, please also refer to metadata files for gov_10a_main, gov_10a_taxag, gov_10a_exp and the latest EDP news releases for reservations or amendments to EDP data as well as general or specific notes.

Since the first quarter of 2020, Member States have implemented COVID-19 containment measures. In all quarters of 2022 and 2023, the impact of the measures to mitigate the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significantly lower impact than in quarters of 2020 and 2021, however, government revenue and expenditure were impacted by the measures undertaken by most Member States to alleviate the impact of increasing energy prices. In 2024, such measures have a much lower impact than in preceding quarters.

 

Country	Explanatory footnotes (mainly focussed on the COVID-19 related impact on the accounts as well as on measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices)
Belgium	Government interventions aiming to alleviate high energy prices primarily impacted the first two quarters of 2023. No significant impact of government interventions aiming to alleviate high energy prices was recorded in 2024.
Bulgaria	The Bulgarian authorities implemented compensation programmes for customers of electricity adopted to mitigate the economic consequences of the instability of energy market prices, including the revenue and expenditure of the "Electricity System Security” Fund in 2022. These amounts are recorded as: D.31 expenditure in relation to compensations for high current electricity values and D.21 tax revenue in relation to contributions from public corporations.
Czechia	The main expenditure measures in the context of COVID-19 entered into force since 2020Q2. Expenditure transactions mainly impacted were D.39p (programme Antivirus to support employment and subsidy schemes for entrepreneurs), D.1p (extra wages for staff in healthcare, social services etc.) and D.99p (direct support for the self-employed and small entities). For tax deferral measures, ad-hoc accrual adjustments were made by comparing the time-adjusted cash data with underlying economic indicators. This does not entail an adjustment for amounts, which are expected to remain uncollectible. From 2022Q1 the impact of the COVID-19 measures decreased significantly, and the majority of measures have ended. Since 2022Q3 government implemented also measures mitigating impacts of high energy prices. Expenditure transactions have impacted mainly D.31p (price cap subsidies for energy traders), D.39p (subsidies to enterprises with significant increase in energy costs, to electricity infrastructure system operator and to energy distribution companies) and D.75p (fixed one-off contribution to households in 2022Q3). All extraordinary expenditure measures have ended in 2023Q4. On the revenue side government has implemented a national windfall tax (D.51) and a tax on market revenue caps (D.29) based on EU regulation.
Denmark	Expenditure measures to counter the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are mainly recorded in subsidies on production (D.39p) and include the following larger schemes: temporary compensation scheme for the self-employed and freelancers, temporary compensation for fixed costs of businesses and temporary wage compensation scheme. The expenditure on these schemes is accrued to 2020Q1 to 2022Q1 using appropriate indicators. Deferrals of taxes expected to be paid are reflected in the tax revenue accrued. However, estimates for uncollectible amounts recorded in D.995 have not yet taken on board the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Expenditure measure to counter the economic impact of the higher energy-prices are mainly recorded as social benefits (D.62). The expenditures are accrued to 2022Q3 to 2023Q4 using appropriate indicators.
Germany	Lump-sum payments to employees and pensioners as compensation for high energy prices are reflected in D.75p. Caps on energy prices are reflected in D.31p.
Estonia	2024Q4 revenues increased 12% and expenditure increased 16% compared to previous quarter. The main contibutors to increase in revenues were taxes on production and imports as well as dividends. The main contributors to the increase in expenditure were final consumption expenditure and gross capital formation. Measures to alleviate high energy prices (on electricity, gas and district heating) were effective until 2023Q1 and are discontinued.
Ireland	Ireland introduced a number of measures to mitigate against the recent increases in the cost of living. These include reductions to VAT on gas and electricity and a temporary reduction to excise duty on petrol and diesel. This will be implicitly captured in the data as lower levels of receipts. On the expenditure side the government has funded a credit on all household electricity accounts. The first payment took place in 2022Q2, a second in 2022Q4 with the third and fourth payments in 2023Q1. Further payments have taken place in 2023Q4, 2024Q1 and 2024Q4. These are recorded as D.75.
Greece	In 2022 and onwards, there were several energy measures established in order to mitigate the high energy prices. The classification of the transactions of the Green transition Fund (revenues and expenditures) are in accordance with Eurostat guidelines. There was an update for the figures of 2022 regarding the consumption of electricity subsidised by DAPEEP. In particular the Temporary Mechanism for the Return of Part of the Next Day and Intraday Market Revenues, which was established accordance with Article 12A of Law 4425/2016 (A'185), applies from July 2022 to December 31, 2023. The establishment of a Special Account with the name "Green Transition Fund" which will subsidise electricity and natural gas. The recording of these amounts is on consumption Basis.
Spain	Starting in the second half of 2021, different measures have been introduced to alleviate the high energy prices. Initially, the measures taken involved a reduction in income (reduction of VAT rate on energy products, suspension of the tax on the value of the electricity production, etc.). In 2024, the original rates of the different taxes have gradually started to be recovered. As of 2022, spending measures are also taken, most of which are recorded as subsidies on products, but also as capital transfers. In 2020 and 2021, regarding the deferrals of tax payment deadlines due to COVID-19 pandemic, ad-hoc adjustments to the TAC method were made as appropriate. These estimates took into account the amounts that are expected to remain unpaid. In 2022, information was available on the amounts actually collected (very similar to the estimated amounts) which replaced the data initially entered for those years. For employment measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic during the period 2020-2022, expenditure was recorded, on an accrual basis, as D.62 (mainly on staff temporary lay-offs) and as D.39p and D.61r (for social contributions exemptions).
France	Starting from the end of 2021, France has implemented a number of measures to contain the price increases and support household income, gas and energy producers and businesses with the higher energy cost such as caps on the price of gas and electricity « tariff shield », reduction of the taxes on electricity (DTFCE), freezing of regulated tariffs, increase in the volume of electricity that EDP is obliged to sell to its competitors (part of Arenh system), compensation to energy producers and distributors for maintaining lower gas prices, fuel rebates, an exceptional energy voucher, an inflation allowance, subsidies under the scheme called ‘CSPE’ to renewable energy producers to make up for the difference between market prices and investment costs, an increase in Energy Bill Payment Assistance for high-energy consuming businesses, a subsidy for households heating with wood. The two European mechanisms to address the high energy prices – the temporary solidarity contribution and a cap on market revenues were also included. Starting from 2023, some of the measures were extended and new measures were introduced such as reduction in the price of electricity for very small, small and medium sized-businesses (l'amortisseur électricité), a guaranteed cap on electricity prices for very small businesses not benefiting from the regulated tariff freeze (bakers in particular), a fuel allowance. In 2024, the impact of energy measures on public finances will be considerably reduced with the end of certain measures. For deferrals of tax payment deadlines granted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, ad-hoc adjustments in-addition to the time-adjustment cash method were made where relevant. These estimates took into account amounts that are expected to remain unpaid. The main expenditure measures (chômage partiel, “solidarity fund”) relating to COVID-19 pandemic were accrued to the relevant quarters. For further details, please see the explanatory note outlining the COVID-related measures and their treatment in quarterly government accounts. Towards the end of 2022, the impact of COVID-19 related measures on government accounts decrease substantially.
Croatia	In the context of COVID-19, ad-hoc adjustments of the tax and social contributions accrual methods were made due to the instalment payments which have been enabled for deferred obligations in 2020. Starting from 2022Q3, there was no further need for ad-hoc adjustments of the tax and social contributions accrual methods. In the context of government measures to mitigate high energy prices, ad-hoc adjustment of the tax accrual methods has been done in 2022Q4, due to the estimation of tax revenues for the solidarity levy and additional CIT that was introduced. Additional expenses regarding measures due to high energy prices, that were not included in financial reports have also been implemented in Q4 of 2022, all quarters of 2023 and all quarters of 2024.
Italy	The phenomena to be reported in the accounts of public administrations are the following: 1) Quarterly government finance statistics, starting from the first quarter of 2020, include additional information for COVID-19 programs implemented by governments to counter the pandemic emergency, as this information was not available in standard data sources. Most of these programs (and the use of additional information) were discontinued when the emergency was declared over on March 31, 2022. 2) An estimate of the effects of the RRF was introduced in the economic accounts following the rule of deficit neutrality (i.e. revenues equal expenses). The remaining revenues are recorded in other accounts. 3) From 2022 the accounts include available information on programs issued by the government to mitigate the effect of rising energy prices. On the total expenditure side, the measures are mainly reflected in other production subsidies (D.39, in particular for tax credits), social benefits and social transfers in kind (D.62 and D.632, in particular for flat-rate subsidies to families and the special discount on energy bills), other current transfers (mainly D.7 paid to families) and changes in stocks (P.52, acquisition of gas reserves). Total revenues were mainly affected by product tax reduction measures (D.21). From 2023Q2 onwards some of these measures have been discontinued or significantly reduced.
Cyprus	The main expenditure measures in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (small business support scheme, subsidisation scheme of small enterprises and self-employed and special absence leave) are reflected in other subsidies on production, mostly for April 2020-December 2021. The main measures taken in the context of high energy prices are a reduction of excise duties on petroleum products (affecting taxes on products, D.21r) and subsidies on electricity bills of households and businesses (currently recorded as social transfers in kind – D.632 and subsidies on products – D.31).
Latvia	Tax deferral measures were applied starting from the second quarter of 2020. Ad-hoc adjustments in order to accrue deferred taxes and social contributions were made. EUR 132.8 million were spent on COVID-19 related expenditure measures in the second quarter of 2020, EUR 445.6 million were spent on COVID-19 related spending measures in the third quarter of 2020, EUR 300.6 million were spent on COVID-19 related spending measures in the fourth quarter of 2020. EUR 538.0 million were spent on COVID-19 related expenditure measures in the first quarter of 2021, EUR 675.6 million were spent on COVID-19 related expenditure measures in the second quarter of 2021, EUR 382.7 million were spent on COVID-19 related expenditure measures in the third quarter of 2021, EUR 556.7 million were spent on COVID-19 related spending measures in the fourth quarter of 2021. EUR 197.8 million were spent on COVID-19 related expenditure measures in the first quarter of 2022, EUR 307.9 million were spent on COVID-19 related expenditure measures in the second quarter of 2022. EUR 198.3 million were spent on COVID-19 related expenditure measures in the third quarter of 2022, EUR 221.7 million were spent on COVID-19 related spending measures in the fourth quarter of 2022. Latvia provided support to citizens and companies to mitigate the rapid rise in energy prices, allocating EUR 569 million for this purpose during the year 2022, thereby significantly reducing payments for electricity and heating. New regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 345 "Regulations of the trade service of the protected user" (Aizsargata-lieotaja-tirdzniecibas-pakalpojuma-noteikumi) changed the procedure and amount of payment reduction or support payments for electricity allocation to protected users. EUR 210.5 million was spent on energy measures in the first quarter of 2023. EUR 102.7 million was spent on energy measures in the second quarter of 2023. EUR 6.3 million was spent on energy measures in the third quarter of 2023. EUR 33.5 million was spent on energy measures in the fourth quarter of 2023. EUR 10.5 million was spent on energy measures in the first quarter of 2024. EUR 10.7 million was spent on energy measures in the second quarter of 2024. EUR 14.3 million was spent on energy measures in the third quarter of 2024. EUR 13.3 million was spent on energy measures in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Lithuania	In the context of COVID-19, adjustments for deferred taxes and social contributions were made. In 2020Q1, deferred taxes for an amount of EUR 113.7 million were accrued, in 2020Q2 deferred taxes for an amount of EUR 313.9 million were accrued, in 2020Q2, deferred social contributions for an amount of EUR 121 million were accrued, in 2020Q3, deferred taxes for an amount of EUR 157.6 million were accrued, in 2020Q4, deferred taxes for an amount of EUR 56.9 million were accrued. In 2021Q1, previously deferred taxes were paid for amount EUR 124.7 million, In 2021Q2, deferred taxes for an amount of EUR 42.4 million were accrued, In 2021Q3 previously deferred taxes were paid for amount EUR 69.1 million. In 2021Q4 amount of EUR 143.1 million of previously deferred taxes were paid. In 2022Q1 an amount of EUR 93.7 million of previously deferred taxes were paid. In 2022Q2, an amount of EUR 76.9 million of previously deferred taxes were paid. In 2022Q3, an amount of EUR 76.9 million of previously deferred taxes were paid. Subsidies on products for an amount of EUR 140.9 million were paid due to compensation for high energy prices. In 2022Q4, an amount of EUR 54.9 million of previously deferred taxes were paid. Subsidies on products for an amount of EUR 655.2 million were paid due to compensation for high energy prices. In 2023Q1, an amount of EUR 46.9 million of previously deferred taxes were paid. Subsidies on products for an amount of EUR 104.9 million were paid due to compensation for high energy prices. In 2023Q2, subsidies on products for an amount of EUR 44.7 million were paid due to compensation for high energy prices. In 2023Q4, subsidies on products for an amount of EUR 42.7 million were paid due to compensation for high energy prices.
Luxembourg	Covid-19 measures: For personal income tax, corporation tax and municipal trade tax, the amounts recorded are adjusted for tax deferral measures on the basis of information provided by the competent tax administration. For the compilation of the quarters from 2020 onwards, only limited data sources enabling an accrual estimate are available and integrated in the accounts. Expenditure measures such as the furlough scheme "chômage partiel Covid-19" (D.62p) are reflected in the accounts. Measures related to high energy prices: The main measures are recorded in subsidies on products (D.31) relating to stabilisation of gas prices and subsidies on the network fees, and social assistance benefits in cash (D.623) relating to a payable tax credit on income tax.
Hungary	D.31 universal subsidies increased, while D.29 surtax originates from government measures to mitigate high energy prices sharply decreased in 2024Q4.
Malta	The general government data is being impacted by the government measures to mitigate the high energy costs in the form of subsidies to the operators.
Netherlands	For taxes and social contributions, ad-hoc adjustments were added to the normal tax accrual methods used in order to correctly impact the accounts in view of several tax deferral schemes. These estimates took into account that some amounts are expected to remain unpaid. The main expenditure measures in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic were accrued (included in expenditure, mainly D.39p) wherever appropriate. As regards government interventions to mitigate the impact of high energy prices, in 2022 and 2023 the Dutch general government total revenue was mainly negatively impacted by reductions of the energy tax on electricity, an expansion of a tax credit on energy taxes, reduced excise duties and VAT on fuels and a decreased VAT rate on natural gas, electricity and district heating (all within D.21 taxes on products) and positively impacted by an incidental tax on excess revenue in the fossil fuel sector (D.51b, ‘Solidariteitsheffing’, only in 2022) and increased rent related to natural gas (D.45). Government total expenditure increased due to a one-off energy allowance via social assistance benefits (D.623, Energietoeslag bijzondere bijstand,  in 2022 and 2023), a €380 contribution on energy bills to households (D.759, only in 2022), a price ceiling on gas electricity and city heating (D.31, only in 2023), tax expenditure of EBN to the Tax Authority (D.5p), expenses incurred for filling the natural gas reserve in Bergermeer to required levels (P.52), a contribution for energy-intensive small business owners (D.39, only in 2023) and a compensation for households with a shared heating arrangement (D.759, only in 2023).
Austria	In Austria, severe measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 have been in place from 2020 to 2022, thereby affecting all quarters of those years. In the non-financial accounts, we see a strong increase in D.39p (furlough schemes, subsidies ...). To ensure accrual accounting, relevant amounts of COVID-19 policy measures were already recorded in 2020Q1, even if the payment takes place from 2020Q2 onwards. Since specific data were not available for some COVID-19 measures, estimations have been applied. The accounts include the available information relating to the schemes issued by the general government to mitigate the effect of the increase in energy prices from 2022 onwards. For total expenditure, measures are mainly reflected in subsidies on products (D.31), in other subsidies on production (D.39) and changes in inventories (P.52). Total revenue was mostly affected by tax reduction measures on taxes on products (D.21) and by mandatory caps on market revenues (D.29).
Poland	Compensation for maintaining lower gas prices, coal allowance paid by local government units to households, allowance to other fuels, allowance for energy-intensive companies, freezing electricity prices for households and an electricity allowance, sale of coal by municipalities at preferential prices for households, electricity prices cap for vulnerable groups and gas prices cap for vulnerable groups impact mainly the accounts for all quarters of 2023, but some of them have been already registered in quarters of 2022 (particularly in the third and fourth quarter). Exemptions from the obligation to pay unpaid social security contributions (D.39p, also reflected in D.61r), health insurance contributions and other social contributions, payment of standstill benefit, benefits for co-financing the remuneration of employees due to economic downtime or reduced working time following COVID-19, loans to cover the running costs of micro-enterprises and subsidies to small, medium and large entities, tax deferrals were the main expenditure and fiscal measures in the context of COVID-19 in terms of impact on the accounts for the first three quarters of 2020 and 2021. In 2022, as well as in the first three quarters of 2023, the impact of measures on government accounts decrease substantially.
Portugal	The deferrals of VAT and social contributions of the COVID-19 policy measures ended in 2022Q3. However, these measures were extended. The simplified lay-off regime (D.39p) does not continue after COVID-19 pandemic.
Romania	Following the speeding up of VAT-reimbursement as part of the COVID-19 measures accepted by government, ad-hoc adjustments to the time-adjustment cash method were made where relevant in quarters of 2020. Adjustments to the methods were made for tax deferrals as well as uncollectible amounts. The main expenditure measures were accrued to the quarters of 2020, 2021 and 2022. For 2020Q4, rebates were granted for the payments in advance of profit tax. This relates mainly to the temporary lay-off scheme (technical unemployment benefits) recorded as subsidy on production (D.39p) and social benefits (D.62), for the quarters of 2020, 2021 and 2022. - The transaction “Amounts granted for the compensation of invoices related to the consumption of electricity and natural gas” was established in GEO 118/2021 for the cold season of 2021-2022, but after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this transaction was adapted with GEO 27/2022, initially, for the period of March 2022 and April 2023, but the period was extended by subsequent GEOs. This measure mentions that the final price invoiced by the electricity suppliers/electricity distribution operators that ensure the resale of electricity is: a) a maximum of 0.68 lei/kWh, including VAT, for consumption between September 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 by household customers whose average monthly consumption at the point of consumption in 2021 is between 0 and 100 kWh inclusive; the final billed price capped by the electricity suppliers is a maximum of 0.68 lei/kWh, including VAT b) a maximum of 0.80 lei/kWh, including VAT, for consumption between September 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 by household customers whose average monthly consumption at the point of consumption in 2021 was between 100.01 and 300 kWh for a monthly consumption of a maximum of 255 kWh; a maximum of 0.80 lei/kWh, including VAT, for consumption made between January 1, 2023 and March 31, 2025 by household customers whose monthly consumption at the place of consumption is between 100.01 and 255 kWh; electricity consumption between 255 and 300 kWh/month is invoiced at a maximum price of 1.3 lei/kWh, including VAT, and if the consumption exceeds 300 kWh/month, the entire consumption is invoiced at a maximum price of 1, 3 lei/kWh;. c) maximum 1.3 lei/kWh, including VAT, for the rest of household consumers. Also, this measure states that the final price invoiced by natural gas suppliers is a maximum of 0.31 lei/kWh, including VAT, in the case of household customers. - The transaction “Compensation scheme for the consumption of electricity and natural gas by non-household consumers for the cold season” was established in GEO 118/2021 for the cold season of 2021-2022, but after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this transaction was adapted with GEO 27/2022, initially, for the period of March 2022 and April 2023, but the period was extended by subsequent GEOs. This measure mentions that the final price invoiced by the electricity suppliers/electricity distribution operators that ensure the resale of electricity is: a) maximum 1 lei/kWh, VAT included, for 85% of the monthly consumption made at the point of consumption, the difference in monthly electricity consumption to be billed at a maximum price of 1.3 lei/kWh, VAT included, based on the declaration on personal responsibility of the legal representative for the following categories of consumers: small and medium enterprises, regional operators, economic operators in the food industry, local public authorities and institutions, national research and development institutes; c) maximum 1.3 lei/kWh, including VAT, for the rest of non-household consumers Also, this measure states that the final price invoiced by natural gas suppliers is a maximum of 0.37 lei/kWh, including VAT, in the case of non-domestic customers whose annual consumption of natural gas achieved in 2021 at the place of consumption is no more than 50,000 MWh, as well as in the case of producers of thermal energy. - The transaction “Fuel compensation” with the amount of 612 million lei in 2022, recorded as D.319, was applied from 1st of July to September 30, 2022, in order to counteract the effect of the increase in the price of fuel on the standard of living of the population and on the activity of economic operators, according to GEO 106/2022. Economic operators who sell gasoline and diesel to final customers (natural and legal persons who purchase fuels from warehouses and/or distribution stations for their own consumption), and who grant a price reduction of 0.5 lei/litre, including VAT, at the selling price, benefits from a compensation of 0.25 lei/litre, including VAT, from the state budget, related to the discount granted. For fractions of a litre, the price reduction and compensation will be granted proportionally.
Slovenia	Following deferrals of tax payment deadlines and payments in instalments resulted from COVID-19 measures accepted by government, ad-hoc adjustments to the time-adjustment cash method were made where relevant. Estimates on amounts that will not be collected are taken into account. The main expenditure measures were accrued wherever relevant. In 2022 and 2023, government measures to alleviate high energy prices are recorded among subsidies and social transfers in cash, as well as reflected in temporary lower excise duties on mineral oils, gas and electricity, some environmental levies, and VAT.
Slovakia	Schemes to alleviate high energy prices relevant for 2022Q4, 2023Q1, 2023Q4 are: a) The compensations financed from the state budget to cover the increased costs of electricity and regulated gas and heat supply  for households and selected vulnerable customers, compensating 80% of the costs exceeding the price ceilings at the level of 199 euros/MWh for electricity and 99 euros/MWh for the economic entities/entrepreneurs-nonregulated + for General government sector, churches and religious institutions (The Law no. 71/2013 Coll., notified The state aid scheme no.2.1 ), from May 2023 the capping of the distribution and system fees included in electricity prices for households, selected vulnerable customers and for all other regulated electricity consumers. b) Support paid out to SPP in relation to increased costs of gas, storage and measures recorded as F.4 transaction in 2022Q4. c) Solidarity contribution of major oil processors – tax D.29REC received by S.13.(paid only for year 2022) Compensations still applied in 2024: The state aid scheme no.2.1 (by 30th June 2024) + compensations on regulated gas and heat supply for households and selected vulnerable customers.
Finland	The temporary fuel subsidy for transport companies and construction machinery companies has been recorded for the quarters 2022Q1 and 2022Q2. It will compensate companies for the sudden increase in fuel prices caused by the war of aggression in Ukraine from February 2022. For tax deferral measures taken in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary accrual adjustments were finalised in 2022Q4. Value added tax on energy sales was temporarily decreased from the end of 2022Q4 to the beginning of 2023Q2. Temporary so-called windfall tax was implemented to cut down profits of electricity companies in 2023. This tax is due to be paid in 2024, but the accrual is time-adjusted to 2023.
Sweden	The impact from COVID-19 was high in year 2020 and 2021. Mainly related to reduction of taxes and high subsidies on production. The main part of the increase in subsidies was related to furlough schemes and government support for short-term layoffs. At the same time, reduced employers’ social security contributions had a significant impact on taxes. Later on, during the pandemic, central government support to local government increased and was high during several quarters. No new support schemes were introduced after 2022Q1. Only minor amounts remained at the end of 2022. From 2022Q4 onwards, different support schemes have been introduced to compensate electricity consumers for high energy bills. In 2022Q4 and 2023Q1 to households and from 2023Q2 also to corporations. It referred to a rerouting of extra ordinary energy capacity fees related to support for high energy prices with no impact on net lending/net borrowing but increases of central government revenues and expenditures with the same amount. It is recorded as a central government tax and as miscellaneous current transfer from central government to households or as subsidies to corporations at the same time. A capital injection to the central bank was classified as a capital transfer 2024Q3 and amounted to SEK 25 billion.
Iceland	Among the various policy measures undertaken in the context of mitigating the economic impact of COVID-19, the short-time allowances and the compensation for loss of earnings for self-employed (D.62) impacted most the data reported in 2020Q2-2022Q4.
Norway	Data for the period 2020Q1-2022Q1 is strongly influenced by economic shutdown, confinement, and subsequent economic measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The main economic measures were (1) Reduced financial liability for employers with laid off employees and increased government compensation to temporarily laid off employees, recorded as social benefits. (2) Temporary reduction of employers’ contributions to the National Insurance Scheme and wage subsidies to bring back laid-off employees, recorded as subsidies on production. (3) Payments of compensation from the central government to enterprises affected by slower turnover, recorded as other current transfers. (4) New guarantee schemes directed at airlines and other businesses. Projected losses are recorded as capital transfers. (5) Tax credits directed at petroleum companies in order to stimulate investments in the industry, recorded as investment grants. In addition, deferrals of taxes expected to be paid are reflected in the tax revenue accrued. Further information can be found on the SSB website. From late 2021 onwards, economic measures aimed at mitigating the impact of high electricity prices have been launched. The most significant measure is a scheme intended to defray household electricity expenses. When the electricity price exceeds a predefined level, the state provides a rebate disbursed by way of deduction from the electricity bill. This measure amounted to approximately NOK 2,000 million in 2021, NOK 32,600 million in 2022, NOK 9,500 million in 2023, and NOK 3,400 million in 2024. The measure is recorded as subsidies on products (D.31). In addition, temporary reduction of the electricity consumption tax and schemes targeted at non-profit institutions and businesses have been set up. High energy prices also heavily impacts government revenue due to surging dividends and taxes from companies engaged in extraction of petroleum and production of hydroelectric power.
Switzerland	Among the various policy measures undertaken in the context of mitigating the economic impact of COVID-19, furlough allowances and the compensation for loss of earnings for self-employed (D.62) impacted most the data reported in 2020Q2-2021Q4. For 2022Q1-Q4, the most important category of remaining operations related to COVID-19 consists of various measures at the cantonal level (recorded as D.75). Note that as of now, no large scheme policy measures have been implemented at the general government sector level to mitigate high energy prices.

 

Other metadata
GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION / ACCESSION OF CROATIA TO THE EURO AREA: Up to 31 December 2022, the euro area (EA19) included Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia and Finland. From 1 January 2023 the euro area (EA20) also includes Croatia. The aggregate data series commented on in these publications refer to the official composition of the euro area in the most recent quarter for which data is available. Thus, news releases and other publications with data for quarters up to the fourth quarter of 2022 commented on EA19 series, while releases with data for the first quarter of 2023 onwards comment on EA20 series. On the Eurostat public database, both EA19 and EA20 are published. Croatian data in million of national currency refers to euro-fixed for periods up to the fourth quarter of 2022, i.e. HRK divided by the irrevocable exchange rate.
BELGIUM: The period 2009-2023 was updated in light of the benchmark revision, as well as the first quarter of 2024.
DENMARK: The difference between loan liabilities at nominal and face value is being verified by the Danish Statistical Authorities.
GERMANY: From 2018Q1 onwards, the statistical discrepancy between B.9 and B.9f is no longer included in F.8 assets, but rather visible in the difference between B.9 and B.9f. The previous treatment led to a misrepresentation of stocks in AF.8 on the asset side.
IRELAND: In 2014, the sector classification of the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) was reviewed as part of ESA2010 implementation. As it did not meet the institutional unit criteria, it was reclassified from S.1314 to S.1311. Subsequently, as only one other Member State did not present S.1314, Ireland was requested by Eurostat in the 2019 Excessive Deficit Procedure Dialogue Visit to reflect on reporting the SIF in S.1314 in order to harmonise practices with other Member States. The CSO is in agreement with Eurostat that presenting the S.1314 sub-sector would facilitate harmonisation and comparability with other Member States. With the 2024Q1 quarterly GFS reporting, Ireland has implemented the subsector with the time series now extended back to 1995Q1. This change has no impact on the aggregate data rather S.1311 is reduced by the amounts now shown in S.1314.
GREECE: D.9PAY for 2013Q2 is mainly due to amounts transferred by Hellenic Financial Stability Fund (HFSF, classified in S.13), in particular to NBG, Eurobank and Alpha Bank for recapitalisation purposes as well as amounts for the resolution of First Business Bank. D.9PAY for 2012Q3 is mainly due to amounts transferred by Hellenic Financial Stability Fund (HFSF, classified in S.13), in particular its transfer to Piraeus Bank (classified in S.12) to cover the funding gap between the assets and liabilities of Agricultural Bank of Greece that were transferred to Piraeus Bank. D.9PAY is due to amounts transferred by HFSF to S.12, in particular for the resolution case of New Post Bank as well as for the share capital increase of New Post Bank. Since October 2015, Eurostat had not published ESA table 27 for Greece. Following the progress in alignment of the data and strong commitment by the Bank of Greece to eliminate all remaining differences, in July 2019 Eurostat has resumed publication of the quarterly financial accounts of general government of Greece. The remaining differences are under investigation and are expected to be resolved with the next transmission rounds.
FRANCE: In 2019Q1, non-seasonally adjusted data on taxes on income (D.51REC) decreases strongly due to a change in seasonality. For this reason, the evolution of the seasonally adjusted data differs significantly. Such changes in seasonality are technically complicated to model, hence the seasonally and seasonally and calendar adjusted data for 2019Q1 should be interpreted with caution. The changes in seasonality are primarily due to a new system in the collection of personal income tax (introduction of advance payments and retention at source) and the early repayment of a tax credit in January, introduced in 2019.
CROATIA: For the years 1995-2001, there are differences in the recording practice of specific transactions due to missing data. This refers for example to time-adjustment of taxes and social contributions, which are cash, based.
CYPRUS: The net lending / net borrowing for the third quarter of 2018 includes the impact from the restructuring of the Cyprus Cooperative Bank Ltd (CCB) - sale of the good parts of CCB and the subsequent integration of the remaining public financial defeasance structure into general government accounts. The negative revision on public deficit in 2019 and 2020Q1 is due to a methodological adjustment relating to the activities of KEDIPES (Cyprus Asset Management Company). Specifically, the debt to asset swaps resulting from loan settlements are currently recorded as acquisitions of non-financial assets (fixed assets and land) increasing government expenditure. Any future sale of these fixed assets will have a positive impact on net lending / net borrowing. As part of the 2024 harmonised benchmark revision, the Sewage Disposal Boards are reclassified into the Local Government Subsector (S.1313) from 1995 onwards.
LATVIA: For the period 1995-2006, D.91REC is included in P.11_P.12. For AF.5 assets there is a break in time series in 1st quarter of 2020 due to the change in the valuation method of equity and inestment fund shares.
MALTA: Following changes in one of main data source, the National Statistics Office experienced issues concerning the statistical discrepancy between the non-financial and financial accounts. High quarterly discrepancies were registered in 2020Q1 and Q2 though on annual basis – for 2020 – these discrepancies have almost outweighed each other. Further examination is necessary and this will lead to revisions in the financial accounts and a reduced discrepancy. The quarterly financial accounts from 1999Q1 to 2003Q4 were compiled for the first time in September 2020. The data sources covering this period were lacking and thus the data had to be estimated using the financial annual stocks data. For AF.3L and AF.4L, data from the Government’s Comparative Return has been used, while the OEF has been estimated accordingly. The data is to be considered as provisional and revisions are possible in following quarterly publications. In 2024Q1, a capital injection into KM Malta Airlines Ltd. in the amount of 154.5 million euro took place. In 2024Q3, a further capital injection into KM Malta Airlines Ltd. in the amount of 90 million euro took place. These capital injections are preliminarily treated as an equity injection (F.51 assets) with no impact on the net lending (+) / net borrowing (-). while in 2024Q4, an investment grant towards KM Malta Airlines is being recorded.
POLAND: D.5REC, D.995: series break between 2000 and 2001 due to the change in method of recording taxes (time-adjusted cash method introduced for personal and corporate income taxes).
SLOVAKIA: Task of benchmark revision 2024 was to implement the adjustment of recording of payments from health insurance companies to health care providers classified in S.13 for years prior to 2017( from 2005). The transaction is reclassified from D632PAY to another current transfer (D74) within the general government sector and is consolidated. There is a break in time series related to the recording of payment of health insurance companies to health care providers classified in S.13 prior to 2005.
FINLAND: An exceptional revision with some breaks in time series (marked in the public database) was implemented in respect of the rerouting of ARA loans. Information can be found on Statistics Finland website. A major administrative change was implemented in the organization of healthcare, social welfare and rescue services on 1 January 2023. The responsibility for organising these services was transferred from municipalities to newly established wellbeing services counties. The change causes a time series break in local government data between 2022Q4 and 2023Q1. The welfare service counties mostly receive their funding from the state. The change reduces local government tax revenues and correspondingly increases state tax revenues and current transfers to local government from 2023Q1 onwards. Exceptional large accrual-based corrections related to Fleet 2000 projects and HX projects from 2023 onwards. The investments will be recorded in the national accounts when they are operational and under the control of the armed forces.

 

NOTES ON SEASONAL AND CALENDAR ADJUSTMENT (updated on 22/04/2025)

Quarterly government finance statistics are reported to Eurostat in the form of non-seasonally adjusted (raw) figures. However, a certain number of the reported series contain seasonal patterns (partly explained by the link with the seasonality of economic activity and by the budgetary planning and accounting practices of national governments), which make it difficult to carry out a direct meaningful cross-country and time series analysis. The same is true for GDP, which reflects the seasonal pattern of all economic activities in the economy.

To overcome this difficulty and thus to gain a better understanding of trends in addition to the non-seasonally adjusted data, seasonally adjusted data is presented for the EU and EA and selected countries. The seasonal adjustment for total revenue and total expenditure is done using an indirect procedure (at country level using Tramo-Seats on JDemetra).

National Statistical Institutes’ estimates are used as input for the aggregates. Most country level estimates as well as data for the EU aggregates are published on Eurobase.

At the level of the EU and euro aggregates, net lending (+)/ net borrowing (-) is derived indirectly from the accounting identity:

Net lending (+)/ net borrowing (-) = total revenue - total expenditure.

Some countries use a direct estimation method on net lending (+)/ net borrowing (-), so that the above-mentioned accounting identity does not hold.

As concerns GDP, no independent estimate is derived.

EU AGGREGATES:

Estimated indirectly at Eurostat on the basis of Member States' data a far as this is supplied nationally and complemented by Eurostat's own estimates, where no nationally supplied data is available. Tramo-Seats run on JDemetra is used in all cases.

For the following countries, the estimates are produced by the respective National Statistical Institute, which all follow the “ESS guidelines on seasonal adjustment”:

Belgium: The seasonally adjusted series are computed following an indirect approach. The components of the revenue and of the expenditure of the General Government are seasonally adjusted by means of "Tramo-Seats", taking into account the presence of possible outliers and calendar effects. The model of each component (>20) has been individually validated (no automatic modelling). The absence of residual seasonality after aggregation has been checked. The data are benchmarked on annual totals of the non-adjusted series. The annual benchmarking is computed on each component by means of a multiplicative Denton procedure.

Bulgaria: Tramo-Seats on Demetra +. Total expenditure: no trading days effects, no Easter effect, log-transformation, ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,1)], outliers: AO[2007-IV], AO[2008-IV], AO[2014-IV], LS[2016-I], 1 pre-specified outlier TC[2020-II]. Total revenue: no trading days effects, no Easter effect, log-transformation, ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,1)], outliers: 1 pre-specified outlier TC[2020-II].

Czechia: Tramo-Seats and RSA in jDemetra+ 2.2.2. TE: indirect seasonal adjustment as an aggregation of seasonally adjusted items: P.2, D.1, D.29p, D.3p, D.4p, D.5p, D.6M, D.7p, D.9p, P.5+NP. TR – indirect seasonal adjustment as an aggregation of seasonally adjusted items: P.1O, D.2r, D.4r, D.5r, D.61r, D.7r, D.9r. B.9- Indirect seasonal adjustment as a difference between TR and TE. The seasonal factors (multiplicative or additive – depends on each item) are calculated in jDemetra+, and then after aggregates are calculated, the final series is benchmarked by the Denton-Cholette method.

Denmark: X13-ARIMA. Total expenditure: Log-transformation, no trading days effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model [(1,1,0) (0,1,1)], outliers: TC[2012-II], TC[2020-IV], AO[2020-II]. Total revenue: Log-transformation, Trading days effects, one Easter effect, ARIMA model [(0,1,0)(0,1,1)], outliers: TC[2019-I], LS[2020-IV], AO[2015-IV].

Germany: X13-ARIMA. Total expenditure: Log-transformation, no trading day effects, ARIMA model [(0,1,1) (0,1,1)], outliers AO [1995-I, 1995-III, 2010-III, 2022-IV] LS [2020-II]. Total revenue: Log-transformation, no trading day effects, ARIMA model [(0,1,0) (0,1,1)], outliers LS [2020-II] AO [2021-II].

Estonia: Tramo-Seats on Demetra +. The seasonal adjustment of all time series is done with TRAMO-SEATS using JDemetra+ software. For TE and TR no calendar adjustment has been added as it does not have a notable impact on the results. According to ESS guidelines there is also no temporal consistency forced on the time series in order to provide a more purely seasonally adjusted time series for users.

S13_OTE non-seasonal part: ARIMA(0,1,0), seasonal part: SARIMA(0,1,0). Level shift (LS) for S13_OTE 2011-IV. S13_OTR non-seasonal part: ARIMA(0,1,1), seasonal part: SARIMA(0,1,1). Level shift (LS) for S13_OTR 2011-IV. S13_B9 non-seasonal part: ARIMA(0,1,1), seasonal part: SARIMA(0,1,1). Level shift (LS) for S13_B9 2020-II.

Ireland: JDemetra+ X13 RSA full method. Total revenue: ARIMA Model (2,1,1)(0,1,1), Outliers detected LS (I-2020). Total expenditure: ARIMA Model (2,1,1)(0,1,1), Outliers detected TC (I-2010), TC (III-2010), LS (II-2012), LS (II-2020). General Government Surplus/Deficit using indirect approach. Capital transfer revenue for 2024Q3 has been indirectly adjusted to accommodate for CJEU ruling.

Greece: Tramo-Seats on JDemetra 2.2.2. B.9 is indirectly derived from TR-TE. Series are benchmarked on annual totals. TR: log, ARIMA [(0,1,1)(0,1,0)], outliers AO (II-2019), LS (IV-2015), LS (IV-2008), TC (III-2013), LS (II-2020); TE: log, ARIMA [(0,1,1)(0,1,0)], outliers AO (II-2013), AO (IV-2015), LS (II-2010), AO (IV-2019), LS (I-2014), LS (III-2003).

Spain: For P.3, OTE, OTR and B.9, the seasonally adjusted series are computed following an indirect approach. The components are seasonally adjusted using Tramo-Seats on JDemetra+ 2.2.2, taking into account the presence of possible outliers and calendar effects. The model of each component has been individually validated (no automatic modelling). The absence of residual seasonality after aggregation has been checked. The data are benchmarked on annual totals of the non-adjusted series. Following Eurostat recommendations and the practice followed in all the INE short-term statistics, an atypical type of impulse (AO) has been introduced into the series when it has been statistically significant in the data referring to the last quarter. When the data for subsequent quarters is available, we analyse whether this impulse should be modified by another type of intervention.

For P.51g: The specifications can be found as part of the Standardised Methodological Report.

France: Seasonally adjusted data is transmitted. Working day adjustment is also done when relevant. An indirect method is used. Seasonal adjustment is done using X-13-ARIMA. For more information, you can read INSEE's methodology (starting on page 21). The document is available in English and French.

In 2019Q1, non-seasonally adjusted data on taxes on income (D.51REC) decreases strongly due to a change in seasonality. For this reason, the evolution of the seasonally adjusted data differs significantly. Such changes in seasonality are technically complicated to model, hence the seasonally and seasonally and calendar adjusted data for 2019Q1 should be interpreted with caution. The changes in seasonality are primarily due to a new system in the collection of personal income tax (introduction of advance payments and retention at source) and the early repayment of a tax credit in January, introduced in 2019.

Croatia: The direct approach and X11-Arima methods were used for seasonal adjustment. Detailed pre-treatment of the series, including graphical analysis, testing the significance of calendar (trading/working days, leap year, Easter effect, etc) was ran. The series were checked for outliers of different types. Outliers for which a clear interpretation exists are included as regressors in the model. The automatic test for log-transformation suggested the choice of the decomposition scheme. The model, filters, outliers and calendar regressors will be re-identified once a year and the respective parameters re-estimated every time new or revised data become available.

Cyprus: The series, OTE, OTR and B9 are also included in T0801 SA. All 3 series are seasonally adjusted directly at the level of the aggregate. Cyprus as a Christian orthodox country, easter effect is not present, as easter is always in the second quarter. Despite the fact that usually only the monthly series are tested and corrected for calendar effect, the 3 quarterly series have been tested for calendar effect. The test confirms that “No trading” or “easter effect” is present.

For the correction of seasonality, Demetra+ 2.2.2 is used, while the TramoSeats model approach is applied. The model used are:

Series OTE (011)(011): 3 outliers are detected (I 2014) (III 2018) (I 2019)

Series OTR (200)(011): 2 outliers are detected (I 2005) (II 2020)

Series B9 (011)(011): 4 outliers are detected (IV 2008) (I 2014) (III 2018) (II 2020)

Latvia: Tramo-Seats on JDemetra+ (version 2.0.0). No trading day effect, national calendar adjusted. Total expenditure: Log-transformation, ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,1)], 3 pre-specified outliers: LS[2006-IV], LS[2020-III], AO[2020-IV], ramp:[I-2009 - IV-2009]. Total revenue: Log-transformation, ARIMA model [(0,1,0)(0,1,1)], 4 pre-specified outliers: AO[2002-III], AO[2006-IV], AO[2010-IV], TC[2020-II].

Lithuania: Tramo-Seats on NbDemetra 2.2.2. Total expenditure: Log-transformation, no Easter effect, ARIMA[(0,1,0)(0,1,1)], no outliers. Total revenue: Log-transformation, no Easter effect, ARIMA[(1,1,0)(0,1,1)], outliers LS[2009-II], AO[2019-IV]. Gross Fixed Capital Formation: Log-transformation, no Easter effect, ARIMA[(0,1,1)(0,1,1)], outliers AO[2022-I].

Luxembourg: All series are seasonally and calendar adjusted with automatic outlier detection and correction. No benchmarking or other adjustments are made. The method used is non-parametric X13 RSA5c with the Luxembourgish calendar. The software used is JDemetra+ (v2.2.2).

Hungary: JDemetra+ TramoSeats method. Hungarian specific calendar is used. Working day, Easter and leap year effects are tested. Total revenue: Log-transformation, no trading day effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model [(1,1,0)(0,1,1)], 1 predefined outlier: AO (2015-IV). Total expenditure: Log-transformation, no trading day effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,0)]. P.51g (1999Q1-2011Q4): Log-transformation, no trading day effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model [(1,0,0)(0,1,0)], no outlier. P.51g (2012Q1-2024Q4): Log-transformation, no trading day effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model [(2,2,1)(0,1,0)], 2 predefined outliers: LS (I-2016), AO (IV-2023). B.9 (1999Q1-2015Q4): No log-transformation, no trading day effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,1)], 1 predefined outlier AO (I-2006). B.9 (2016Q1-2024Q4): No log-transformation, no trading day effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,1)], no outlier.

Malta: Total revenue: Tramo-Seats on JDemetra+ 2.2.2, Series log transformation, No trading days effects, No Easter effects, ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,0)], 3 pre-specified outliers: AO(III - 2000), AO (IV - 2000), TC (I - 2020) Total expenditure: Tramo-Seats on JDemetra+ 2.2.2, Series has been log-transformed, No trading days effects, No Easter effects, ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,1)] with a statistically significant mean, 4 pre-specified outliers: AO(IV-2003), LS(II-2020), AO (IV-2023), AO(IV-2024).

Netherlands: X13-ARIMA on JDemetra+. Total revenue: Log-transformation, no trading day effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model [(1,0,1)(1,1,0)], outliers; LS (I-2009), AO (II-2020). Total expenditure: Log-transformation, no trading day effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model (0,1,0)(0,1,1)], outliers; AO (II-2009), AO (II-2020).

Austria: Seasonal adjustment: Tramo-Seats on jDemetra+. Total expenditure: log-transformation, no trading days effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,1)], outliers (specific pre-treatment): [2004-II], [2004-IV], [2009-IV], [2014-IV], [2020-I], [2020-II], [2020-III], [2020-IV], [2021-I], [2021-II], [2021-III], [2021-IV], [2022-I], [2022-II], [2022-III], [2022-IV], [2023-I], [2023-II], [2023-III], [2023-IV], [2024-I], [2024-II], [2024-III], [2024-IV].  Total revenue: Log-transformation, no trading days effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model [(1,0,0)(0,1,1)], outlier: LS[2009-II], LS[2016-I], TC[2020-II].

Poland: Tramo-Seats on JDemetra +. Direct method used. Concurrent adjustment for Q1 each year, current adjustment Q2, Q3, Q4 (model revised once a year). Calendar effects adjustment used. Working days with leap year effect (2 regressors) and Easter effect tested for each series - only significant effects used in final specification. Automatic model selection with additional non-automatic verification of problematic cases. Total expenditure: P.2 - log transformation; mean effect, no calendar effect, ARIMA model [(0,0,0)(1,1,0)], outliers: AO(Q3_2010), LS(Q2_2022); P.5 - log transformation; no calendar effect, no mean effect; ARIMA model [(1,0,0)(0,1,0)], outliers: TC(Q1_2016), AO(Q1_2022), AO(Q2_2022), AO(Q4_2023), AO(Q2_2024), AO(Q4_2024); D.1 - log transformation; no calendar effect, mean effect, ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,0)], outliers: LS(Q4_2002), LS(Q2_2008), AO(Q4_2013), AO(Q4_2021), AO(Q3_2022); D.6M - log transformation; no calendar effect, no mean effect; ARIMA model [(2,1,0)(0,1,1)], outliers: AO(Q4_2007), AO(Q3_2023), AO(Q1_2024), AO(Q2_2024), AO(Q3_2024), AO(Q3_2024); D.4 - log transformation; no calendar effect, no mean effect; ARIMA model [(1,1,0)(1,0,0)]; P.29+D.3+… - no-log transformation, no calendar effect, ARIMA model [(0,1,1), (0,0,0)]; Total revenue: D.2 - log transformation; mean effect, no calendar effect, ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,0)], outliers: AO(Q2_2004), TC(Q1_2009), AO(Q2_2020), AO(Q1_2022); D.4 – no-log transformation; no calendar effect, mean effect, ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(1,0,0)], outliers: TC(Q4_2022), AO(Q1_2024), AO(Q2_2024), AO(Q3_2024), AO(Q4_2024); D.5 - log transformation; no calendar effect, mean effect, ARIMA model [(1,0,0)(0,1,0)], outliers: AO(Q1_2020), AO(Q2_2020),  LS(Q2_2009), AO(Q1_2023), AO(Q1_2024), AO(Q2_2024); D.61 - log transformation; no calendar effect, no mean effect; ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,1)], outliers: TC(Q1_2001), TC(Q4_2008), AO(Q4_2007), AO(Q3_2011); P.1+D.7+D9 - log transformation; no calendar effect, no mean effect; ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,1)], outliers AO(Q4_2007), AO(Q4_2013), AO(Q4_2009), AO(Q4_2012).

Portugal: X13-ARIMA on Demetra+. A manual pre-treatment is performed by identifying and deducting one-off measures. Additional pre-treatment is applied for outlier detection and correction. The seasonal adjustment is applied to total revenue, expenditure except compensation of employees and compensation of employees. Net lending (+)/net borrowing (-) is presented as a result of the difference between the series seasonal adjusted of total revenue and total expenditure. Total expenditure results of the sum of seasonal adjustment series of total expenditure (except compensation of employees) with compensation of employees. Total Expenditure (except compensation of employees): X-13-ARIMA; log-transformation; no trading days effects; no Easter effect; ARIMA Model [(0,1,1)(0,1,1)]; Outliers: AO (IV-2002), TC (III-2002) and SO IV [2012-2020] (user defined variable); Compensation of employees: TRAMO-SEATS; log-transformation; no trading days effects; no Easter effect; ARIMA Model [(0,1,1)(0,1,1)]; Outliers: TC (III-2005), TC (I-2013), LS (I-2011), LS (I-2012), AO (I-2001), AO (III-2014), SO II [2012-2013](user defined variable) and SO IV [2012 -2017](user defined variable);Total Revenue: X-13-ARIMA; log-transformation; no trading days effects; no Easter effect; ARIMA Model [(1,0,1)(1,1,0)]; Outliers: AO (II-2020), AO (II-2009) and SO III [1999-2008] (user defined variable).

Romania: Tramo-Seats on Demetra+. P.51g series was not log-transformed and the model used was automatic Arima model. Total expenditure was log transformed and the model used was automatic Arima model. Total revenues was log transformed and the model used was automatic Arima model. B.9 is derived indirectly by the difference between seasonally adjusted series of total revenue and total expenditure. Seasonal Adjustments are made every time when ESA table 25 are compiled.

Slovenia: Time series are seasonally adjusted in two parts: with one model for the period from the beginning of the time series to the end of 2010, and with the second model for the period from the beginning of 2010 to the end of the time series. Results of seasonal adjustment are updated only for the second model (benchmark revision of 2024 was the only exception). Average of both models is taken into account for 2010. JDemetra+ software (TRAMO/SEATS method) is used for seasonal adjustment.

Time series from the beginning of the time series to the end of 2010:

Total revenue Log transformation, no trading days effects, no Easter effect; 0 pre-specified outliers; ARIMA (0,1,0)(0,1,1) Total expenditure Log transformation, no trading days effects, no Easter effect; 1 pre-specified outlier: AO Q1/2001; ARIMA (0,1,0)(0,1,1) + Mean correction Gross fixed capital formation Log transformation, trading days effects, no Easter effect; 1 pre-specified outlier: AO Q1/2000; ARIMA (0,1,0)(0,1,1) Final consumption expenditure (P3) Log transformation, no trading days effects, no Easter effect;  1 pre-specified outliers: TC Q1/2007; ARIMA (0,1,0) (0,1,1)

Time series from 2010:

Total revenue Log transformation, working days effect, holidays effect, no Easter effect; 2 pre-specified outliers: LS Q1/2021, LS Q1/2020; ARIMA (0,1,1)(0,1,1) + Mean correction Total expenditure Log transformation, no working days effect, no Easter effect; 5 pre-specified outlier: AO Q2/2020, AO Q4/2014, AO Q1/2013, AO Q4/2013, SO Q3/2020; ARIMA (0,1,0)(0,1,1) Gross fixed capital formation  Log transformation, no working days effect, no Easter effect; 3 pre-specified outliers: LS Q1/2016, AO Q4/2019, LS Q1/2018; ARIMA (0,1,0)(0,1,1) Final consumption expenditure (P3) Log transformation, no working days effects, no Easter effect; 3 pre-specified outliers: LS Q1/2022, LS Q1/2012, AO Q2/2021; 1 detected outlier: TC Q2/2024; ARIMA (0,1,1) (0,1,1)

Slovakia: Tramo-Seats on JDemetra +. Total expenditure: Log-transformation, no trading days effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,1)], 4 pre-specified outliers: LS(2000-IV), AO(2002-IV), AO(2015-IV), AO (2023-IV). Total revenue: Log-transformation, no trading days effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model [(0,1,1)(0,1,1)], 5 pre-specified outliers: LS(2001-III), AO(2015-IV), LS(2020-I), AO(2020-II), AO (2023-IV). Data are constrained to annual non-seasonally adjusted totals.

Finland: The seasonally adjusted series are computed following an indirect approach. The components of the revenue and of the expenditure of the General Government are seasonally adjusted by Tramo-Seats / JDemetra+ 2.0.0, taking into account the presence of possible outliers and calendar effects. The data are benchmarked on annual totals of the non-adjusted series. The annual benchmarking is computed on each component by Denton procedure.

Sweden: Tramo-Seats on JDemetra. Total expenditure: Log-transformation, no trading days effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model [(1,1,0)(0,1,1)], 7 pre-specified outliers: AO[1998-III], AO[2001-IV], LS[2002- II], AO[2002-III], AO[2010-IV], AO[2020-II], AO[IV-2022]. Total revenue: Log-transformation, no trading days effects, no Easter effect, ARIMA model [(1,1,0)(1,1,1)] with mean, one pre-specified outlier: TC[2020-II].

Switzerland: The data reported is trend-cycle data. A Denton-Cholette method is used to temporally disaggregate annual data. The quarterly data is extrapolated using smoothed indicators.

Manual on Compilation of Taxes and Social Payments on a Quarterly Basis (2002)
Quality report on QNFAGG - Update of July 2008
Manual on Quarterly non-financial accounts for general government

The data correspond to quarterly non-financial accounts for the general government sector which are conceptually consistent with the corresponding annual data compiled on a national accounts (ESA 2010) basis. All data is at current prices.
The data sets contain quarterly general government (S.13) total expenditure and total revenue figures, as well as their breakdowns by relevant categories and the resulting quarterly government deficit/surplus. 

Both non-seasonally and seasonally and calendar adjusted data is collected. 

Data for the subsectors of general government (S.1311 central government, S.1312 state government, where applicable, S.1313 local government, S.1314 social security funds, where applicable) is also collected. 

Data coverage is best for general government non-seasonally adjusted data.

22 April 2025

The data correspond to quarterly non-financial accounts for the general government sector which are consistent with the corresponding annual data compiled on a national accounts (ESA2010) basis.

The domain presents main aggregates (transactions and balancing items) for the general government sector. A number of countries additionally provide data for the subsectors of general government (central government, state government, local government, social security funds). A number of countries also provide data on taxes received by the institutions of the EU (S.212).

The indicators are reported under Table 25 'quarterly non-financial accounts for general government' on the basis of a gentlement agreement with Member States in the Financial Accounts Working Group. For definitions of the transactions, see European system of accounts, 2010 edition (ESA2010).

The following indicators are available:

The following national accounts' indicators are collected:

P.11 + P.12 + P.131  -  Market output, output for own final use and payments for non-market output
P.2  -  Intermediate consumption
B.1g  -  Value added, gross
P.51c  -  Consumption of fixed capital
D.1p  -  Compensation of employees, expenditure
D.29p  -  Other taxes on production, expenditure
D.39r  -  Other subsidies on production, revenue
D.2r  -  Taxes on production and imports, revenue
D.21r  -  Taxes on products, revenue
D.211r  -  Value added types taxes (VAT), revenue
D.29r  -  Other taxes on production, revenue
D.4r  -  Property income, revenue
D.41r  -  Interest, revenue
D.42r + D.43r + D.44r + D.45r  -  Other property income, revenue
D.3p  -  Subsidies, expenditure
D.31p  -  Subsidies on products, expenditure
D.39p  -  Other subsidies on production, expenditure
D.4p  -  Property income, expenditure
D.41p  -  Interest, expenditure
D.42p + D.43p + D.44p + D.45p  -  Other property income, expenditure
D.5r  -  Current taxes on income, wealth etc., revenue
D.51r  -  Taxes on income, revenue
D.59r  -  Other current taxes, revenue
D.61r  -  Net social contributions, revenue
D.611r  -  Employers' actual social contributions
D.613r  -  Households' actual social contributions
D.7r  -  Other current transfers, revenue
D.5p  -  Current taxes on income, wealth etc., expenditure
D.62p  -  Social benefits
D.632p  -  Social transfers in kind — purchased market production, expenditure
D.62p + D.632p  -  Social benefits other than social transfers in kind and social transfers in kind — purchased market production, expenditure
D.7p  -  Other current transfers, expenditure
P.3  -  Final consumption expenditure
P.31  -  Individual consumption expenditure
P.32  -  Collective consumption expenditure
D.8  -  Adjustment for the change in pension entitlements
B.8g  -  Saving, gross
D.9r  -  Capital transfers, revenue
D.91r  -  Capital taxes, revenue
D.92r + D.99r  -  Investment grants and other capital transfers, revenue
D.9p  -  Capital transfers, expenditure
D.92p  -  Investment grants, expenditure
P.5  -  Gross capital formation
P.51g  -  Gross fixed capital formation
P.52 + P.53  -  Changes in inventories and acquisitions less disposals of valuables
NP  -  Acquisitions less disposals of non-financial non-produced assets
P.5 + NP  -  Gross capital formation and acquisitions less disposals of non-financial non‑produced assets
B.9  -  Net lending (+)/ net borrowing (—)
TE  -  Total expenditure
TR  -  Total revenue
D.995  -  Capital transfers from general government to relevant sectors representing taxes and social contributions assessed but unlikely to be collected.

- Net lending (+) / Net borrowing (-) (B.9) is the difference between general government revenue and expenditure.

Furthermore, due to a seasonal pattern of taxes, other revenues, and certain expenditure items the quarterly evolution is volatile and country specific. Therefore, users should be cautious in its analysis before making any extrapolation or drawing conclusions based on its quarterly evolution. Users should be aware that the amplitude of the seasonality and the nature of seasonality varies considerably across countries.

Quarterly government finance statistics are reported to Eurostat in the form of non-seasonally adjusted (raw) figures. However, a certain number of the reported series contain seasonal patterns (partly explained by the link with the seasonality of economic activity and by the budgetary planning and accounting practices of national governments), which make it difficult to carry out a direct meaningful cross-country and time series analysis. The same is true for GDP, which reflects the seasonal pattern of all economic activities in the economy. 

To overcome this difficulty and thus to gain a better understanding of trends in addition to the non-seasonally adjusted data, seasonally adjusted data is presented for the EU Member States and EA-19 and selected countries. The seasonal adjustment for total revenue and total expenditure is done using an indirect procedure (at country level using Tramo-Seats in Demetra+).

 

Where available, National Statistical Institutes own estimates are used as input for the aggregates, which are supplied to Eurostat on a gentlemen's agreement basis. Some country level estimates as well as data for the EU aggregates are published on Eurobase. These estimates are supplemented by Eurostat's own estimates for those countries, which do not yet supply their own estimate. This data is labelled confidential and not published.

 

Net lending (+)/ net borrowing (-) is derived indirectly from the accounting identity:
Net lending (+)/ net borrowing (-) = total revenue - total expenditure.

 

As concerns GDP, no independent estimate is derived.

Institutional units and groupings of units as defined in ESA2010.

Target population is the general government sector (S.13) as well as its subsectors.

EU and euro area aggregates, EU Member States and EFTA countries.

The reference period is the quarter.

Not available.

Data are expressed in millions of Euro, millions of national currency units and as percentages of GDP.

For euro area countries, for reference periods prior to accession of the country to the euro area, data in national currency are expressed in euro-fixed, that is the former national currency divided by the irrevocable exchange rate.

Quarterly data should be based as much as possible on direct information from basic sources, shall be completed by coverage adjustments, if needed, and by conceptual adjustments in order to bring quarterly data in line with ESA2010 concepts. The quarterly data and the corresponding annual data transmitted under table 2 ‘Main aggregates of general government' of the ESA2010 transmission programme should be consistent.

Data are transmitted in national currency. Eurostat converts into Euro using quarterly average exchange rates.

EU and euro area series are formed by the aggregation of the country data.

A Manual on Compilation of Taxes and Social Payments on a Quarterly Basis was first published in 2002.

A Manual on Quarterly Non-Financial Accounts for General Government (2006) replaces the first manual providing methodological guidance and describing Member States' compilation practices for all ESA95 transactions.

An updated Manual on Quarterly Non-Financial Accounts for General Government (2011 edition) was released in September 2011.

Quarterly non-financial accounts for general government are primarily derived from administrative and other records of general government. Once more detailed annual information becomes available (not all units in general government may have detailed quarterly reports), the data is benchmarked on annual GFS data.

The data are disseminated at least each quarter.

Quarterly data are to be delivered three months after the end of the quarter to which the data relate. Quarterly data are released at around t+112 days after the reference quarter.

Comparability between countries is ensured by the implementation of ESA2010 rules.

Many Member States have reported no breaks in their time series.