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Narrowing Vertical Fiscal Imbalances in Four European Countries

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  • Ms. Izabela Karpowicz

Abstract

This paper describes the institutional changes that have induced a decline in the vertical fiscal imbalance (VFI) - defined as the share of sub-national own spending not financed through own revenues - in four European countries: Belgium, Italy, Norway, and Spain. The decline in VFI was achieved through progressive devolution of revenues to sub-national governments in Belgium, Italy, and Spain, while re-centralization of health sector expenditures was the cause of the decline in the VFI in Norway.

Suggested Citation

  • Ms. Izabela Karpowicz, 2012. "Narrowing Vertical Fiscal Imbalances in Four European Countries," IMF Working Papers 2012/091, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2012/091
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    Cited by:

    1. Inaki Aldasoro & Mr. Mike Seiferling, 2014. "Vertical Fiscal Imbalances and the Accumulation of Government Debt," IMF Working Papers 2014/209, International Monetary Fund.
    2. José Manuel Cordero Ferrera & Francisco Pedraja Chaparro & Javier Suárez Pandiello & Alfonso Utrilla de la Hoz, 2013. "El índice de evolución de los ingresos tributarios del Estado y sus efectos sobre la PIE municipal," Hacienda Pública Española / Review of Public Economics, IEF, vol. 206(3), pages 137-161, September.
    3. Eyraud, Luc & Lusinyan, Lusine, 2013. "Vertical fiscal imbalances and fiscal performance in advanced economies," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 60(5), pages 571-587.
    4. Michael Klien & Hans Pitlik & Matthias Firgo & Ulrike Famira-Mühlberger, 2020. "Ein Modell für einen strukturierten vertikalen Finanzausgleich in Österreich," WIFO Studies, WIFO, number 65854, April.
    5. Alessio Mitra & Athanasios Chymis, 2022. "Federalism, but how? The impact of vertical fiscal imbalance on economic growth. Evidence from Belgium," Economics and Politics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(2), pages 322-350, July.

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