Analyst: Slovakia's State Budget Deficit Grew by More Than €500 mn in July

Bratislava, 1 August (TASR) - The state budget deficit in July 2025 increased to €3.64 billion (January-July), while in July alone the deficit grew by more than half a billion, chief economist at CSOB bank Marek Gabris said in a commentary on the current development of the state budget for July and for the first seven months of this year, adding that a year ago, it was about €180 million more during the first summer month. The analyst pointed out that the percentage of implementation against the plan is more important. For the full year, the planned deficit is €6.278 billion, and at the end of July it was almost 58 percent achieved. A year ago, it was 55 percent against the planned deficit. Since the full-year deficit was ultimately lower in 2024, it was almost 66 percent against reality in that month a year ago. However, the central budget's cash deficit was ultimately lower in 2024 mainly because of higher-than-estimated revenues. And especially non-tax ones, such as higher administrative fees collected, dividends or gambling levies. Last year, the budget mainly received higher-than-budgeted EU funding, up to €2 billion. "It is not certain whether the same scenario can be repeated this year. This also shows how EU funds help us on the revenue side and support our economy," emphasised the analyst. Gabris added that the state budget revenue was at €13.53 billion at the end of July, which is about 49 percent of the approved plan. Expenditure was €17.16 billion in cash terms and was therefore at 50.6 percent of the approved budget. am/mcs