The Selected Issue Paper discusses the Swiss National Bank’s (SNB) balance sheet risks and policy implications. Despite increased profit allocations, SNB capital has not kept pace with its growing balance sheet. The paper also explores the empirical determinants of pressures on the Swiss...

The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is faced with the task of stabilizing and reviving a devastated economy after years of military conflicts, sanctions, and economic mismanagement. A weakened institutional capacity and the still evolving political situation is a cause for concern. A short-term...

This paper discusses the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s Second Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement and Request for Waiver of Performance Criteria and Rephasing of the Program. The 2007 fiscal deficit target increased modestly to 1 percent of GDP. Taxes were cut and budget...

This Technical Note analyzes crisis preparedness and management framework in Austria. The global crisis revealed weaknesses in Austria’s financial stability policy framework. Austria needs to put in place a special bank resolution regime to resolve problem banks in a manner that does not...

This article summarizes the European Union’s stress testing exercises and future priorities. The 2011 solvency stress testing was marked by methodology and data. The exercise forced banks to increase the quality and quantity of capitalization. This test has many controversial issues, but...

In this study, Greece’s economic program has progress toward its sustainable growth by boosting competitiveness, strengthening financial sector stability, and securing sustainable public finances. The fiscal and broader reforms are to achieve the program’s medium-term objectives....