EU fiscal rules reform and Spain's fiscal position
Fecha: noviembre 2023
Santiago Lago Peñas
Rules reform
SEFO, Spanish and International Economic & Financial Outlook, V. 12 N.º 6 (November 2023)
Spain’s public finances deteriorated as a result of the pandemic, with the deficit soaring to 10% of GDP and public debt levels reaching historical highs of 120% of GDP. Since then, the reactivation of the economy and significant growth in tax revenue helped to underpin improvement in the country’s fiscal metrics; however, projections indicate Spain will record persistently high structural and overall deficits going forward unless further fiscal adjustments are implemented. As well, with the deactivation of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) escape clause in 2024, increased budget consolidation efforts will be needed in Spain. Meanwhile, the ongoing debate over the reform of EU fiscal rules is complicated by the divergent fiscal positions across EU countries as well as disparate views over the need for flexibility versus budget stability, resulting in increased challenges in reaching a consensus. In any event, under the anticipated stricter fiscal framework, fiscal consolidation in Spain will face significant hurdles, due to increased defence spending, investments designed to accelerate the energy and digital transitions, population ageing and climate change, which is expected to hit Spain particularly hard. Going forward, the EU should take a more active role in financing investments, while in parallel, Spain should accelerate progress on reforming the fiscal system, taking into consideration the particularities of the Spanish fiscal federalism framework.