Brussels, Belgium. EU countries imported €3.471 trillion worth of services from non-EU countries during 2024, according to Eurostat. The statistical office said Cyprus stood out for its reliance on cross-border supply and the presence of natural persons.
Modes of supply across the EU
Eurostat said the figures, based on official statistics on international trade in services by modes of supply, showed that most EU service imports were delivered through commercial presence within the reporting country. This accounted for 58.9 per cent of total imports, or €2.044 trillion.
Cross-border supply represented 31.3 per cent of imports, valued at €1.087 trillion. Consumption abroad accounted for 6.6 per cent, or €229 billion, while the presence of natural persons made up 3.2 per cent, or €111 billion.
Commercial presence dominant in most member states
In 22 EU countries, the majority of service imports came through commercial presence within their territory. Eurostat reported the highest shares via commercial presence were recorded in Bulgaria at 81.7 per cent, Hungary at 78.1 per cent and Spain at 74.5 per cent.
Cyprus shows higher reliance on cross-border supply
Eurostat said Cyprus showed a different structure, with 43.8 per cent of service imports delivered through cross-border supply, placing it among the EU countries with the highest reliance on this mode.
How does your country’s mix of service import modes compare with the EU averages?
