Similarities and Differences in the Composition of Public Expenditures in the European Union

The European Union (EU) is putting emphasis on the need to change the composition of public expenditures to what, according to the public policies endogenous models, is considered a high quality of public finances (i.e., a higher share of productive expenditures). These recommendations are the same for all EU member states. Together with the fiscal requirements arising from the Maastricht Treaty and the Stability and Growth Pact, EU authorities are promoting a one-size-fits-all fiscal policy model. Our paper analyzes the differences existing in the composition of public expenditures in the EU. If this composition is significantly different, that would mean that in the EU there are differences in the national preferences about the role/size of public expenditures, something that would not allow implementing a single model of public sector and fiscal policy.