The overall budget proposal for 2027 is planned at a level of 395.4 billion denars, which is 5.7 percent more compared to 2026, since total expenditures are projected at 440.4 billion denars (7 billion and 219 million Eruo), which is for 4.8 percent higher compared to 2026), Finance Minister Gordana Dimitriska Koco said today at the press conference.
She pointed out that the budget for 2027 was prepared in conditions of unclear international economic circumstances and extreme risks, for which special attention was given to the reality of projections, sustainability of expenditures, and effective exploitation of public means.
The budget deficit is planned at 45 billion denars, respectively, 3.5 percent of BPV, and is in line with the fiscal strategy for the period 2027-2031. This means that we remain in determining gradual fiscal consolidation, with clear intention of overcoming the budget deficit and stabilising public debt, without giving up that case from development priorities, the minister said.
It underlined that specifically important segment in the budget for 2017 are capital investments. 40.8 billion denars are planned for capital spending. Our definition is these tools to travel towards projects that create long-term value, improve infrastructure and contribute to better public services, she stressed.
On the income side, Dimitrieska Kocoska pointed out, tax spending is designed at 223.1 billion denars, which represents 6.4 percent increase.
Tax policy will remain predictable, with the focus on improving revenue collection, lowering tax evasion and digitising tax processes. With the 2027 budget, we secure regular and constant financing of all legal and contractual obligations of the state, she stressed.
The minister stressed that with the budget, funds are provided for increased salaries in the public sector, more money to meet obligations stemming from the country’s NATO membership, with funds planned for protection worth 2 per cent of BPV to strengthen defence capacities, modernisation and Armatta equipment.
Special priorities, she stressed, remain the social security of citizens. She pointed out that 220.8 billion denars for social transfer have been projected, which is a 4.1 percent increase, out of which 123.8 billion denars are for retirement payments or a 4.8 percent increase, in line with legal harmonisation.
The social protection of citizens’ more sensitive categories are planned at 14.3 billion denars, while 2.9 billion denars are planned for policy and active employment measures. A 3.9 billion more denars are projected for healthcare this year. Also planned for municipalities are transfers worth about 36 billion denarius through the VAT blockades and grants. A particularly important 2027 budget segment is capital investments. 40.8 billion denars are planned for capital expenditures. Our determination is to direct these funds to projects that create long-term value, improve infrastructure and contribute to better quality public services. In this direction, not only is the amount of planned funds important but also the implementation of them. Our focus is on timely implementation of projects and concrete results on the ground, Dimitrieska Kocoska said.
