Portugal achieved progress in containing the fiscal deficit, strengthening financial sector resilience, and structural reforms. Executive Directors commended the efforts to contain the fiscal deficit in line with the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact. They encouraged the authorities...

This 2002 Article IV Consultation highlights that Belgium’s real GDP growth fell sharply in 2001 to 0.8 percent and remained weak in 2002 at an estimated 0.7 percent. The fundamental factor behind these developments was the slowdown in the economies of Belgium’s trading partners,...

This paper assesses Ecuador’s 2003 Article IV Consultation, a Request for a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), and Approval of an Exchange Restriction. The main objectives of the fiscal program are to address immediate liquidity constraints and to bring expenditure growth under control,...