Germany remains by far the largest net payer to the European Union. In 2023, it paid €17.4 billion more into the EU than it received from it. The largest beneficiaries are Poland, Romania and Hungary, according to a study by the Institute for the German Economy in Cologne.
According to study author and economist Samina Sultan, “Germany's net contribution to the EU is almost twice as high as that of the French, who rank second.”
According to the Institute's report published on Monday, which is quoted by the website of the German weekly “Spiegel”, Germany remain the largest net payer – in 2023 they paid 17.4 billion euros more than they received. In turn, France paid in approximately EUR 9 billion more than it received.
Germany pays the most and Poland receives the most
The report indicates that Poland is the largest beneficiary of EU funds. This country – as emphasized – received around 8 billion euros more in 2023 than it paid in. Poland was followed by Romania (6 billion euros more) and Hungary (4.6 billion euros). A study by the Institute of the German Economy showed that Germany's net contribution in 2023 fell compared to the previous year – due to the weaker situation of the German economy.
“In 2024, Germany will probably contribute less because it has no signs of economic recovery,” it said. It added that while Germany's contribution is decreasing, it is increasing from Spain and Portugal. “The financial burden is thus shifting,” the report said.
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