In 2022, government expenditure data based on the Classification of Functions of Government (COFOG) highlights that social protection remained the primary focus, constituting 25.6% of total General Government spending, with an increase of €110.2 million compared to 2021.
The total General Government expenditure rose to €6,866.2 million, a €287.7 million increase from the previous year.
Economic affairs saw a notable increase, reaching €1,550.8 million, driven by expenditures on energy support initiatives (€312.2 million) and COVID-19-related measures (€105.2 million). Health expenditures amounted to €966.1 million, a decrease of €31.9 million attributed to lower spending on public health.
Education and General Public Services followed, with expenditures of €872.9 million and €839.9 million, respectively.
The highest share of government spending was on Social protection, accounting for 25.6% of the total, followed by Economic affairs (22.6%), Health (14.1%), Education (12.7%), and General Public Services (12.3%).
A breakdown by COFOG’s second-level function reveals significant spending on Old age (15.8% of total expenditure), Hospital services (58.3% of Health expenditure), and Executive and legislative organs, financial, fiscal, and external affairs (€481.3 million).
Noteworthy components of government outlay include Wages and salaries (26.7%), Social benefits in cash or in kind (21.7%), Intermediate consumption (19.5%), and Subsidies (12.2%). The data underscores the allocation of resources across various functions and provides insights into the structure of government spending in 2022.
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