Slovakia approves 2027 draft budget with deficit of 4.94% of GDP

The deficit rises instead of falling to the 3% foreseen in the medium-term fiscal plan; the state budget alone is to show a shortfall of €7.75bn, and defence spending rises to 2.2% of GDP.

For 2026 the government now estimates the deficit at 4.37% instead of the planned 4.1%; the state budget shortfall grows from a planned €5.13bn to €7.75bn, and general government revenue of €63.343bn faces spending of €70.786bn. The draft funds, among other things, further energy price compensation, preparations for a state-owned nuclear power plant and drought measures; parliament begins its debate on 07.10.2026, and analysts criticise the high share of current spending (ČT24/ČTK, 05.10.2026; second source: TASR, 06.10.2026). Update (14 Oct 2026): The National Council passes the 2027 State Budget Act with 76 of the 78 deputies present voting in favour (two abstain); the general government deficit is €7.443bn (4.94% of GDP) (TASR/teraz.sk, 14 Oct 2026).