Updated
Updated · Euronews · May 26
European Household Saving Rates Range From -9.3% in Greece to 14.7% in Sweden, Hungary
Updated
Updated · Euronews · May 26

European Household Saving Rates Range From -9.3% in Greece to 14.7% in Sweden, Hungary

2 articles · Updated · Euronews · May 26
  • Greece was the only country with a negative net household saving rate in 2024 or 2025, at -9.3%, meaning households spent more than their disposable income and relied on past savings or borrowing.
  • Sweden and Hungary topped the table at 14.7%, followed by Czechia at 13.7% and France at 12.8%, while the EU average stood at 8.1%.
  • Italy at 3.2% and the UK at 4.7% ranked among the weaker major economies, and Latvia recorded 0%, indicating households spent all of their income.
  • Greece's weakness reflects a longer post-crisis pattern: its saving rate hit -16.5% in 2013, fell again to -12.2% in 2022, and has stayed near -9% since.
  • Researchers say precautionary saving and retirement remain Europe's main motives, with weaker public pensions and healthcare systems pushing households to save more privately.
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