The fiscal position improved last year; contrary to the Government’s plans, the fiscal policy was relatively restrictive. The reduction in the general government deficit below the Maastricht limit was made possible by the favourable macroeconomic situation, particularly in terms of public finance. Realised public spending was within the adopted three-year framework. Given that, when the framework was amended, the maximum permitted expenditure levels were set too high according to the Fiscal Council’s assessment, this was expected. A significant improvement in fiscal planning is also necessary due to the upcoming changes to the EU governance system. The numerous and considerable changes to the highest permitted expenditure that have been the practice thus far will no longer be possible in the future.