Government net lending/borrowing in Belgium

International Monetary Fund · Annual · Importance

IMF forecast (WEO): 2026: -5.1% 2027: -5.2% 2028: -5.3% 2029: -5.4% 2030: -5.7% 2031: -5.8%

-0.6 (1999) ANUAL · % of GDP · Annual · CSV

Period	% of GDP
Jan 1999	-0.6
Jan 1998	-1.0
Jan 1997	-2.2
Jan 1996	-4.0
Jan 1995	-4.5
Jan 1994	-5.3
Jan 1993	-7.7
Jan 1992	-8.4
Jan 1991	-7.7
Jan 1990	-7.0

About this indicator

Source

International Monetary Fund

Frequency

Annual

Release

Published annually (with quarterly advance estimates in some economies), subject to revision with the national accounts.

What it is

Belgium's government deficit (net borrowing) is the negative balance of the general government accounts when spending exceeds revenue over a year; when revenue exceeds spending there is a surplus. It is usually expressed as a share of GDP.

How it's calculated

Calculated as the difference between total revenue and non-financial spending of general government, following the EU's harmonised national accounting rules (net lending/borrowing under ESA). The outcome is set against GDP.

Market implications

The deficit drives the government's borrowing needs and the path of public debt. In Belgium it is a key benchmark for compliance with EU fiscal rules and for how markets and rating agencies assess the country.

Limitations

It is a low-frequency figure subject to revision. It is worth distinguishing the headline balance from the primary balance (which excludes debt interest) and from the cyclical component tied to the economic cycle.