On July 3, 2023, key figures on cultural and leisure spending in the European Union were released. The data, covering the years from 2008 to 2021, reveals the percentage of household expenditure dedicated to culture and leisure activities in different EU countries.
In 2021, Germany allocated approximately 9.8% (estimated) of household expenditure to culture and leisure, while Austria spent around 8.9%. Belgium, Bulgaria, and Croatia spent (estimated) 7.8%, 8.1%, and 8.5%, respectively.
Denmark allocated the highest percentage, with 10.9% of household spending going towards culture and leisure activities. Spain spent around 6.6%, Estonia 8.9%, and Finland 9.1%.
France, during the same period, dedicated around 7.6% (estimated) of its household expenditure to culture and leisure. Greece spent (estimated) 5.1%, Hungary 7.4%, and Ireland 5.5%.
Italy spent approximately 6.3%, while Latvia and Lithuania spent (estimated) 8.4% and 7.6%, respectively. Luxembourg allocated 6.4%, and Malta spent (estimated) 7.3%.
The Netherlands and Poland allocated (estimated) 8.6% and 6.0%, respectively. Portugal spent (estimated) 5.2%, while the Czech Republic spent 8.1%. Romania allocated around 6.1%, Slovakia and Slovenia spent (estimated) 8.0% and 7.9%, respectively.
Sweden dedicated the highest percentage after Denmark, with 11.5% of household expenditure going to culture and leisure.
Overall, the European Union as a whole (EU-27) allocated approximately 8.0% of household expenditure to culture and leisure activities in 2021.