Figures looking better

The country's government deficit as a percentage of GDP improved from 4.8 percent to 3.9 percent, according to figures released by the European Community's statistical office, Eurostat.

In the eurozone the average government deficit decreased from three percent of GDP in 2003 to 2.7 percent in 2004, and in the EU25 it fell from three percent in 2003 to 2.6 percent in 2004.

The 'Provision of Deficit and Debt Data for 2004' report commented: "The decrease [in Poland's] government deficit in 2004 is mainly due to the revision of the way ... accounts ... are compiled, and to new information on the accounts of other central government units."

In 2004 the largest government deficits as a percentage of GDP were recorded by Greece (6.6 percent), Hungary (5.4 percent), Malta (5.1 percent), and Cyprus (4.1 percent).

Poland headed eight member states that recorded a government deficit over or equal to three percent of GDP: Poland (3.9 percent), Germany (3.7 percent), France (3.6 percent), Italy (3.2 percent), Slovakia (3.1 percent), the United Kingdom (3.1 percent), the Czech Republic (three percent) and Portugal (three percent).

Six Member States continued to register a government surplus in 2004: Denmark (2.3 percent GDP), Finland (2.1 percent), Estonia (1.7 percent), Sweden (1. 6 percent) and Ireland (1.4 percent). In all, 16 Member States recorded an improved public balance relative to GDP, while eight Member States registered a worsening situation.