The total ratio of taxes and social contributions to GDP in the European Union in 2023 was 40%, down from 40.7% in the previous year, according to the EU Statistical Office.
In the euro area, this figure also decreased to 40.6% last year, compared to 41.4% in 2022.
In absolute terms, in 2023, revenues from taxes and social contributions in the EU increased by €308 billion to €6.883 trillion.
The tax-to-GDP ratio varies significantly by country, with the highest shares recorded in France (45.6%), Belgium (44.8%), and Denmark (44.1%). The lowest rates are in Ireland (22.7%), Romania (27.0%), and Malta (27.1%).
Last year, 11 EU countries saw an increase in the indicator, with the most significant growth in Cyprus (to 38.8% from 35.9% in 2022) and Luxembourg (to 42.8% from 40.2%). In 12 countries, a decrease was recorded, the most significant in Greece (to 40.7% from 42.8%) and France (to 45.6% from 47.6%).
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