A conservative minority government took office in October 2013, ending eight years of Labor party-led governments. No major policy shift has taken place so far, but the government’s economic policy platform emphasizes lower taxes, more infrastructure investment, greater private ownership, and...

KEY ISSUES Background: The large imbalances that accumulated prior to the global financial crisis culminated in a collapse of the banking sector in early 2013. In response, the authorities took unprecedented measures and adopted an economic adjustment program, supported by official financing,...

KEY ISSUES Addressing the Household Debt Overhang The economy is slowly emerging from its balance sheet recession. Housing prices have steadied, exports are rising on expanding global trade, but consumption continues to contract on an annual basis, held down by household deleveraging and weak...

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The recovery is addressing flow imbalances from past current account and fiscal deficits, but stock vulnerabilities from public, private, and external debt remain high. The unemployment rate has retreated from its crisis peak, growth has resumed, and the current account is...

This 2019 Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Croatia discusses that it experienced its fifth consecutive year of solid economic growth, once again driven largely by private consumption and tourism. Employment gains have been robust, wages have continued to rise, while import prices...

This paper discusses Serbia's Third Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement and Request for Modification of Performance Criteria (PCs). The program is delivering good results. Significant fiscal tightening and efforts to address structural weaknesses and improve the business climate have helped...

This 2017 Article IV Consultation highlights that Serbia's economy has strengthened impressively since the adoption of the economic program supported by the Stand-By Arrangement. Economic growth is expected to reach 3 percent in 2017. The fiscal deficit should narrow to 1.1 percent of GDP-the...

This 2017 Article IV Consultation highlights that growth in Moldova is expected to be about 3 percent in 2018. Inflation is forecast to return to target in 2018, following a pickup in 2017. The banking sector has been stable, the fiscal performance has improved and Moldova's external position...

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Stand-By Arrangement. In the attached letter, the Ukrainian authorities describe their economic and financial policies for which they request a 24-month SDR 10.976 billion (800 percent of quota, about US$17.1 billion) Stand-By Arrangement involving exceptional access. An...

KEY ISSUES Context and Outlook. The economy has entered a broadly favorable trajectory of healthy and balanced growth, thanks to a multi-year reform effort. Output should surpass its pre-crisis peak of 2008 for the first time this year, but now in a sustainable manner. Downside risks dominate...