Croatia's Overall Balance (% of GDP): Net Lending/Borrowing Trends and Forecasts (1992-2029)

Croatia’s fiscal journey highlights recovery from economic shocks and successful integration into the EU. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw high deficits, peaking at -11.1% in 1999, reflecting post-war reconstruction and structural challenges. The 2010s brought improvements, with surpluses emerging by 2019 (2.2%).

The pandemic reversed gains, widening the deficit to -7.3% in 2020. Forecasts indicate stabilization around -1.0% by 2029, supported by fiscal discipline and EU-backed reforms. Croatia’s fiscal resilience underscores its ability to navigate economic transitions effectively.