Public Debt in Central and Eastern EU Economies: A Comparative Perspective (2013–2024)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the long-term development of public debt and budget deficits in Central and Eastern European countries over the period 2013–2024, considering both relative indicators expressed as a percentage of GDP and absolute values per capita. The primary objective is to identify cross-country differences and to compare them with the average performance of the European Union. The analysis reveals that Slovakia ranks among the countries with the highest levels of debt and deficit in the region and, uniquely, is classified in the 2024 Debt Sustainability Monitor as facing high sustainability risks in its public finances. The paper highlights the importance of examining public debt not only through relative but also through absolute measures, while extending the discussion to broader factors influencing long-term fiscal stability, such as demographic dynamics and the political willingness to implement structural reforms.