Prague - In 2010, the Czech Republic spent CZK 220 bil (EUR 8.8 bil) more than it collected from taxpayers.
In spite of that, the 2010 budget was "only" CZK 156 bil (EUR 6.2 bil).
Where does the difference came from? Most of it, from EU funds - which effectively means from richer EU member states.
Czech Finance Ministry said this in its report on the 2010 budget.
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The reports shows that the Czech Republic received in 2010 more money from from EU funds than in the previous year, which was the most significant force that helped the struggling Czech budget in the year of the European sovereign debt crisis.
In 2010, the Czech Republic got CZK 37 bil (EUR 1.5 bil) more from the EU funds in comparison with 2009, when the deficit was CZK 192 bil.
In addition, it managed to collect CZK 11.2 bil more in VAT, CZK 7.9 bil in social security payments and CZK 7 bil in consumer taxes.
The report shows that without the additional EU money, the 2010 deficit would reach CZK 193 bil - one billion more than in 2009.
2011 budget: still relying on EU
EU funds will remain equally important for the Czech state finances even in 2011.
The budget approved three weeks ago expects that the Czech Republic's payments to the EU will remain on the same level as in 2010, while the country will receive CZK 21 bil (EUR 840 mil) more from the funds. The deficit will shrink by the same sum, to CZK 135 bil.
