Economic activity appears to be recovering, underpinned by a strong policy response. Fiscal consolidation will be crucial to maintain debt sustainability and support the envisaged external adjustment over the medium term. Sound monetary and exchange rate policies are essential to maintain...

The EU crisis was caused by unsustainable policies in some member countries, and has put the spotlight on the deficiency of area-wide mechanisms in disciplining fiscal and structural policies. Despite a strong and far-reaching policy response, market confidence will take time to restore. Fiscal...

Portugal’s 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that Portugal’s financial system remains sound and well supervised. Portugal has accumulated substantial macroeconomic imbalances, and the policy challenge is to smooth the adjustment, containing domestic demand while increasing productivity...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that Burundi is emerging slowly from more than a decade of civil conflict. GDP per capita is about US$139, and only 18 percent of the population is food secure. Economic growth slowed down while inflation increased in 2007. External developments were...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that economic growth in Greece has been strong for several years, underpinned by a large fall in interest rates owing to adoption of the euro and subsequent European Central Bank easing. In 2005, the authorities implemented substantial fiscal...

This 2010 Article IV Consultation highlights that macroeconomic outcomes have weakened significantly for St. Lucia. Real GDP is estimated to have contracted by 5.2 percent in 2009, reflecting a sharp decline in visitor arrivals and construction activity related to foreign direct investment. For...

This paper discusses a Request from Congo for a Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) program. Growth in Congo in 2008 was strong, but weakened by the onset of the global financial crisis during the second half of the year that resulted in a deterioration...

Tanzania’s banking system remains sound but is vulnerable to credit risk resulting from the economic slowdown. This staff report examines Tanzania’s 2009 Article IV Consultation, fifth review under the Policy Support Instrument, and request for a Twelve-Month Arrangement under the Exogenous...

France’s near–term economic outlook is moderately positive, but clouded by risks from the global environment. The government’s reformist intentions provide an historic opportunity to place France onto a sustained higher growth path with greater opportunities for all. Economic policy should...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that the transitional government that took over in Haiti following President Aristide’s departure in February 2004 implemented prudent fiscal and monetary policies, and significantly improved governance and transparency in public sector operations....