Germany's debt-to-GDP ratio to hit 78.25% by 2030

Key facts

• Germany's debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to reach 78.25% by 2030.
• The debt-to-GDP ratio was 62.8% in 2025.
• The EU's Maastricht Treaty limits government debt to 60% of GDP.
• The government deficit is expected to increase to 5.25% next year.
• Borrowing is rising due to a €500 billion infrastructure fund and looser rules for defense spending.

Germany's debt is expected to rise to 78.25% of gross domestic product by 2030, according to the country's stability council. This projection significantly exceeds the European Union's Maastricht Treaty limit of 60% for government debt.

The stability council also forecasts that the government deficit will increase from 2.9% last year to 5.25% next year, and is still expected to be 4.5% of economic output by 2030. The council noted that consolidation measures are expected to slow the growth of public debt but not stem it entirely, and that stabilizing debt will require a stronger improvement in the primary balance than currently anticipated, especially given the rise in the average interest rate on debt.

This increase in borrowing is attributed to a €500 billion infrastructure fund and more relaxed borrowing rules for defense spending. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil expressed optimism, stating that investments are stimulating the economy after years of weak growth.