KEY ISSUES Context: Corrective revenue measures helped keep the program on track and macroeconomic conditions improved in late 2014 following the decline in oil prices. Uncertainties related to the 2015 general elections weigh on the outlook. Program: The Executive Board approved the three-year...

This paper discusses Albania’s Second and Third Reviews Under the Extended Arrangement and Request for Waiver for the Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, Waiver of Applicability of PCs, and Rephasing of Future Disbursements. The program is on track. All end-June, end-September, and...

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Article IV issues. The government is committed to implementing the “Plan Sénégal Emergent†(PSE), which contains valid diagnostics and policies to boost growth and accelerate poverty reduction. GDP growth is projected to rise from less than 4 percent in recent years...

This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Serbian economy is facing serious challenges. GDP contracted by an estimated 2 percent in 2014 on account of continued falling domestic demand aggravated by floods, and weak economic activity in trading partners. This, together with the low...

KEY ISSUES Macroeconomic developments remain favorable. Economic growth was strong during the first half of 2014 and is expected to remain close to 7 percent. Inflation remains in mid-single digits, consistent with the authorities’ target of 5 percent by June 2015. New national accounts...

Following the approval of a new constitution in 2010, the authorities have embarked on important reforms including fiscal devolution, VAT reform, and the overhaul of the expenditure management framework. Supported by a three-year ECF, which expired in December 2013 with all six reviews...

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This is the final review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. The program contributed to maintaining macroeconomic stability, and there was progress on structural reforms. The authorities intend to request a successor arrangement under the ECF. A new finance...

KEY ISSUES Context. Macroeconomic developments have been in line with the program. Growth has recovered, led by domestic demand, with the Russia-Ukraine crisis having limited economic impact so far. Growth should reach 5 percent in 2014. Georgia and the EU started applying their Deep and...

This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that after a steady recovery during 2010–12 from the deep 2009 recession, Armenia’s growth softened in 2013 and has remained subdued in 2014. The softening of economic activity has been broad based, as growth of exports and remittances...

This paper discusses Ukraine’s Request for Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Cancellation of Stand-by Arrangement (SBA). Despite tangible progress under the SBA, the crisis in Ukraine has increased its balance of payments and adjustment needs beyond what can...