The Czech Republic could start becoming a net contributor to the European Union budget as early as 2024 or 2025, according to economists sounded out by the business daily E15.

Since joining the European Union in 2004, the Czech Republic has always been on the receiving end of EU payments overall.

The change in status results from the country’s increasing wealth, changes in the EU budget currently being worked on, and the likelihood of new and poorer states joining in the coming years.