The current account deficit (CAD) widened to EUR 8.3bn in 2008, 24% of GDPe (vs. 22% of GDP in 2007). Preliminary 2008 FDI declined to EUR 5.4bn, down by more than EUR 1bn from 2007 revised value. FDI covered 66% of CAD, compared to 103% for 2007 and 70% for 11mo2008. The payment balance was positive for 2008 at EUR 0.7bn, compared to positive EUR 3.2bn for 2007. For December 2008 there was a record payment balance deficit of EUR 1.6bn.