What kind of public expenditure is high in Belgium? A comparison with neighbouring countries

In 2019, total Belgian public spending, i.e. primary expenditure plus interest charges, came to 52.1 % of GDP compared to an average of 47% in the euro area. Belgium was thus the country with the third highest expenditure, after France and Finland. This comparatively high level in Belgium dates back several decades. The aim of this study is to document this structural finding of high public spending in Belgium.

Which public expenditure segments are relatively higher in Belgium compared to neighbouring countries? What does that spending correspond to in practice? Has it been relatively higher for a long time? Is it attributable more to the federal government, the Communities and Regions, or local authorities? This study provides answers to these questions on the basis of a detailed analysis of the various public expenditure function categories.