Europe’s Defence Bill Is Rising: What It Means for Government Debt
NATO allies aim for 5% of GDP on defence and security by 2035, while the EU offers fiscal flexibility and €150bn of SAFE loans. The bill still reaches national budgets.
Article archive
EU debt articles — page 2
Browse earlier EU Debt Map articles, explainers and data-backed analysis.
Netherlands National Debt Live Counter: How the Current Estimate Works
Dutch government debt reached €523.8 billion in June 2026. The modelled counter now rises rather than falls. Here is how its quarterly inputs become a moving estimate.
Can the US Really Carry More Debt Than Europe? A 2026 Comparison
The US has a larger debt ratio than the EU but also one Treasury, a reserve currency and a deeper bond market. Those advantages are powerful—not unlimited.
Europe's Trillion-Euro Question: When Is National Debt an Investment?
Europe needs major investment in energy, digital capacity, defence and infrastructure. Borrowing can support growth, but only when projects deliver more value than their full financing cost.
Sweden's Debt Is Rising—Why the Live Counter Can Still Turn Green
Sweden's debt fell when converted to euros in Q1 2026, but rose in Swedish kronor. Here is what the green live counter measures—and what it does not.
Is the Netherlands Still Europe’s ‘Frugal’ Leader? The 2026 Debt Outlook
Dutch debt was 43.8% of GDP in Q1 2026, but official plans point to deficits, more defence spending and higher interest costs. Low debt creates room—not a free budget.
Europe’s Government Debt Is Getting More Expensive: How Refinancing Changes Budgets
Higher market yields do not reprice Europe’s debt overnight. They pass into budgets as bonds mature, increasing interest costs and reducing fiscal room over several years.
Germany’s Debt Brake in 2026: What the Reform Really Changes
Germany has not abolished its debt brake. Since the 2025 reform, new rules cover security spending, state borrowing and a €500 billion investment fund.
Euro Area Government Debt in 2026: Data, Trends and Risks
Euro-area debt reached 88.8% of GDP in June 2026. Why financing dates, interest costs, growth and budget direction matter alongside the headline ratio.
France’s Debt Outlook in 2026: The Real Risks Behind 117.6% of GDP
France’s debt reached 117.6% of GDP in Q1 2026. The main risks are persistent deficits, rising interest costs and reduced fiscal room—not a predetermined euro crisis.
Digital Euro in 2026: Pilot, Privacy and the Road to 2029
The digital euro is not live and no issuance decision has been made. What the 2026 legislative talks, 36-provider pilot and possible 2029 timeline mean.
Debt Interest vs Schools and Healthcare: What EU Budgets Really Show
EU governments spent 1.9% of GDP on interest in 2024, versus 4.8% on education and 7.4% on health. The country differences are much larger.