According to the final State Budget Execution data for January – December 2016, the budget balance recorded a deficit of ca €1.14 bn, ca €2.48 bn narrower relatively to the respective 2017 Budget (B17) target (deficit €3.62 bn). The primary balance recorded a surplus of ca €4.44 bn, significantly outperforming the B17 target (primary surplus €1.98 bn)