The GDP of Thuringia is below the national average, in line with the other former East German Lands. Until 2004, Thuringia was one of the weakest regions within the European Union. The accession of several new countries, the crisis in southern Europe and the sustained economic growth in Germany since 2005 has brought the Thuringian GDP close to the EU average since then. The high economic subsidies granted by the federal government and the EU after 1990 are being reduced gradually and will end around 2020. COUNT 4
QSN1 Where is the GDP of Thuringia? ANS1 below the national average QSN2 For how long was Thuringia one of the weakest regions in the EU? ANS2 Until 2004 QSN3 What has helped to improve Thuringia?  ANS3 The accession of several new countries, the crisis in southern Europe and the sustained economic growth QSN4 When will government subsidies to Thuringia end? ANS4 around 2020