In total, the EU Member States spent over €350 billion on family benefits in 2016 (2.4% of EU GDP). This represented 9% of the total spent on social protection benefits. Family benefits, in this particular case, include support (except healthcare) in connection with the costs of pregnancy, childbirth and adoption, childcare and caring for other family members.
The share of social protection expenditure on family benefits varied significantly between EU Member States. It accounted for more than 15% of total social benefits in Luxembourg, followed by Estonia and Poland (13%), and Hungary (12%). The lowest shares were registered in Greece and the Netherlands (both 4%), followed by Spain and Portugal (both 5%). The EU average is 9%.
Similarly, the annual family benefits expenditure per inhabitant was also highest in Luxembourg (€3,000 per inhabitant), followed by Denmark (€1,700) and Sweden (€1,400). In 2016, the countries with the lowest family benefits expenditure were Romania and Bulgaria with both spending just €120 per inhabitant. The EU average amounts to €690.
It is worth noting that the values for Luxembourg are overestimated compared to other countries, as a significant proportion of benefits is paid to persons residing outside of Luxembourg.
