Primary surplus in major Eurozone economies from 2013 to 2015 (% of GDP) 2014, 2015 estimates (Source: EU Commission, European economic forecast Autumn 2014 )

Italy is the European country that presents the highest primary surplus after Germany.

Between 2014 and 2015 the primary balance, which measures the difference between the net interest of the debt and the income and expenditure of the State, will remain largely positive.

In 2015, according to estimates by the European Commission, the Italian and German primary balance will be equal to 1.8%. In the same period France and Spain will still present a negative surplus.

The primary surplus in public Italian accounts, according to the Economy Ministry's data, is one of highest in the world and is the most stable of the past 20 years among other member states of the European Union. From 1995 to today the balance has always been positive, with 2009 being the only exception.

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