The 2012 Article IV Consultation reports that Iceland’s fiscal consolidation is continuing, but at a slower pace. Moderate expenditure overruns materialized in 2011, which will partly spill over to 2012 and the medium term. A key priority is to put the medium-term fiscal path back on...

Bulgaria did not have any exchange rate crisis, international bailout, bank intervention, or build-up of public debt. This attests to the strength of the policy framework and policy implementation. The fiscal adjustment achieved so far should be preserved, but improving the composition of the...

The staff report for St. Kitts and Nevis’ first review under the Stand-By Arrangement and the Financing Assurances Review is presented. Economic activity is estimated to have been flat in 2011, as continued weakness in the construction sector offset the moderate recovery in tourism and...

Economic activity in the Czech Republic is expected to remain flat in 2012 and gradually gain momentum as external conditions improve. The 2012 Article IV Consultation discusses that monetary conditions have been appropriately supportive of economic activity. The Czech financial system has...

The 2012 Article IV Consultation report for Senegal discusses the fourth review of the Policy Support Instrument (PSI) implementation and request for modification of an assessment criterion. Senegal’s growth has been sluggish in recent years, with implications for poverty reduction. The...

Cape Verde’s authorities have tightened fiscal and monetary stances and have significantly reduced the gaps with program targets. Tax revenues held up well, but there were shortfalls in nontax revenue in addition to capital transfers. The spending execution was held below the budget. The...

Jordan’s external vulnerabilities, arising mainly from the energy sector, increased during the last decade. Aided by exceptionally large grants, fiscal policy accommodated the social impact of these shocks. Concerns about social tensions at the beginning of the year put on hold the needed...

Latvia’s economy continues to recover, but the worsening global outlook is likely to hurt growth. Implementation of the program has made the economy more robust to shocks, but risks remain that could derail the recovery and the goal of euro adoption. Spillovers from the euro area crisis...

Strong fiscal stimulus in Azerbaijan continued in 2011 triggered by unanticipated increases in global oil prices. The 2011 Article IV Consultation highlights that near and medium-term economic prospects are favorable and nonhydrocarbon growth could reach 6 percent in 2012. Executive Directors...

This staff report discusses the Republic of Kosovo’s request for a Stand-By Arrangement. Kosovo is in the final stages of transition to full self-governance in economic and financial affairs. Kosovo’s economy has remained largely shielded from turbulence in the euro area, owing to...