The turn of the year sees a number of changes to taxes, product prices, social welfare, and even public healthcare.
The taxes on motor petrol and diesel have now gone up. Due to higher excise taxes, the price of petrol is estimated to go up a little under three cents per litre at the start of the year, while diesel prices are estimated to rise over three cents per litre.
The duty on electricity increases by 0.2 cents per kilowatt in electricity tax bracket 1. The hike affects households, the service industry and the public sector.
Taxation is increased also for alcohol, tobacco, sugary soft drinks and juices. Many prescription drugs' prices have also changed.
Unemployment benefit, housing benefit and the upper limit for household services deductions all underwent revisions. The unemployed may now earn 300 euros per month without this affecting their social welfare payments.
As of January 1, public healthcare patients are allowed to choose the hospital of their liking together with their doctors.
