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Economy and Finance

National Fiscal Frameworks in the EU Member States

How can sound and sustainable public finances be ensured?

Policy experiences show that strong national fiscal frameworks and institutions are important factors to increase national ownership, stabilise expectations, allow priority budgeting to support for example the green and digital transition, and to contain any deficit bias in fiscal policy making.

What is a national fiscal framework?
National fiscal frameworks are rules, regulations and procedures that influence how budgetary policy is planned, approved, carried out, monitored and evaluated. 
Independent fiscal institutions
Independent fiscal institutions are an important element of national fiscal frameworks, as they promote transparency and accountability to the public, and can enhance compliance with national fiscal rules.
Medium-term budgetary frameworks
As budgetary planning and execution have implications beyond the fiscal year covered by the annual budget, ensuring a medium-term perspective for budgeting strengthens the predictability and sustainability of national fiscal frameworks. 
Fiscal governance database
This database, maintained by the Directorate General for Economic and Financial Affairs, provides detailed information about the EU Member States' fiscal governance arrangements and their evolution from 1990 to date.