Silke Mayr In the EU budget, wealthier western and northern European nations are primarily net contributors. Meanwhile, central and eastern European countries mainly serve as net recipients. The EU enables member states to achieve more together than they could alone, through a shared budget. Each country contributes to this budget and receives funding in return.
Some countries are net contributors, paying more than they receive, while others are net beneficiaries, receiving more than they contribute. This financial arrangement reflects the EU’s principle of solidarity. It helps foster development across different areas of the bloc.
Top EU Contributors and Beneficiaries
The European Commission reveals that Germany (€33.8bn), France (€25.8bn), Italy (€18.8bn), and Spain (€13.6bn) were the largest contributors to the EU budget in 2023. On the other hand, Malta (€112m), Cyprus (€259m), and Estonia (€355m) contributed less than €1bn each. Among the largest beneficiaries, France received €16.5bn, Poland €14.1bn, Germany €14bn, Italy €12.8bn, and Spain €12.1bn. Three countries—Malta (€277m), Cyprus (€393m), and Slovenia (€952m)—received less than €1bn from the EU.
Ten countries were net contributors, meaning they paid more than they received. These included Germany (€19.8bn), France (€9.3bn), the Netherlands (€6.3bn), Italy (€6bn), Sweden (€1.6bn), Spain (€12.1bn), Austria (€1.3bn), Ireland (€1.3bn), Denmark (€1.2bn), and Finland (€0.8bn). Meanwhile, Poland (€7.1bn), Romania (€5.9bn), Belgium (€4.8bn), Hungary (€4.4bn), and Greece (€3.9bn) were the largest net beneficiaries.
Economic Divide: Western vs. Eastern Europe
The distribution of contributions and receipts reflects a clear east-west economic divide. Western and northern European countries tend to be net contributors, while central and eastern European nations are mostly net beneficiaries. Except for Belgium and Luxembourg, this divide aligns with the economic disparities between the regions. Many newer member states from Eastern Europe often receive more from the EU than they contribute.
Contributions and Receipts Per Person
Looking at contributions and receipts on a per-person basis, large population differences among EU countries affect the figures. In 2023, Bulgaria contributed €137 per person, while Luxembourg contributed €688. Among the “Big Four,” Germany had the highest per-person contribution at €403, followed by France (€378), Italy (€318), and Spain (€281).
When comparing net contributions per person, the Netherlands ranked highest, with each Dutch person contributing €350 more than they received. Ireland followed with a net contribution of €240 per person, then Germany (€235), Denmark (€210), and Sweden (€156). Among the “Big Four,” France had the lowest net contribution per person at €30, while Italy and Spain contributed €101 and €137, respectively.
Luxembourg and Other Net Beneficiaries
Luxembourg, despite its wealth, was the top net beneficiary per person, with €3,081. Croatia followed with €619 per person. The three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—each received more than €500 per person. Poland, the largest net recipient in nominal terms, received €191 per person, ranking third-lowest among the 17 net beneficiary countries.
While Luxembourg and Belgium are among the wealthier EU countries, they are also net recipients. This is because both host numerous EU institutions, such as the European Commission and European Parliament. Belgium had a net receipt of €404 per person, higher than Bulgaria (€299) and Romania (€307).
Broader Advantages of EU Membership
The financial figures above do not reflect all the benefits of EU membership. According to the European Commission, the EU budget drives growth and competitiveness across the bloc. It supports investment in areas like rural development, environmental protection, education, research, border security, international development, and human rights. Shared financing of these initiatives benefits all member states, even if the expenditure appears to support only one country.