# Finland: The world's happiest country has a debt problem it can no longer ignore

https://mins.news/en/item/92763

- DW, 2026-10-09 08:12 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/finland-the-world-s-happiest-country-has-a-debt-problem-it-can-no-longer-ignore/a-79544348?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> Finland is preparing one of its toughest austerity budgets in years, with public debt at 90.3% of GDP and the deficit projected to reach 4.2% in 2026. Weak growth, high unemployment and increased defense spending add to the strain. The EU has given Finland until the end of 2028 to reduce its deficit, while parties disagree over cuts and tax increases.