Unstable Balkans (by Vladimir Gligorov; pp. 1-4) Keywords political tensions, unemployment, austerity Countries covered SEE Topics Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Not a very Greek tragedy (by Jan Toporowski; pp. 5-7) Keywords public debt, financial market, monetary policy, currency union...

Simple but serious books have an important role to play. So Krugman’s book on ‘depression’ is very welcome. The emphasis of this book is on unemployment (and distribution more generally, including high compensation for finance ‘experts’). The analysis is...

The study discusses the issue of fulfillment by Poland of the so-called fiscal convergence criteria, concerning public debt and public deficit, based on the regulations of the European and Polish financial laws, as well as in the context of their economic character.

In the recent decades, the budget deficit has become one of the characteristics of national economies. Furthermore,it finds its dimensions amplification. Despite this, more and more are the economists who dispute the need to balance the budget,arguing the need even the deficit and systematic use...

The study discusses the issue of fulfillment by Poland of the so-called fiscal convergence criteria, concerning public debt and public deficit, based on the regulations of the European and Polish financial laws, as well as in the context of their economic character.

This paper presents an overview of recent U.S. fiscal developments and discusses possible implications of the sharp turn around in the government’s fiscal position. Against this back ground, it also reviews key policy challenges that will need to be addressed to cope with the mounting...

The Kingdom of Lesotho’s 2005 Article IV Consultation reports that the government’s fiscal position and the external current account have improved markedly. The authorities are preparing an action plan, in collaboration with development partners, to improve the business climate....

Paraguay’s Fourth Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement and Request for Waiver of Performance Criteria are examined. The main challenge is to consolidate the macroeconomic gains achieved thus far and deepen structural reform. A stable macroeconomic environment will be the key for creating...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation for Ireland reports that economic performance has been impressive, owing in significant measure to sound policies. In line with the global cycle, growth picked up strongly in 2004. Rapid employment growth has been supported by immigration, so the unemployment...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Algerian economy continues to benefit from abundant and increasing hydrocarbon revenues. Real GDP growth is expected to continue at about 5 percent in 2005, led by increased output in the hydrocarbon sector and sustained activity in the...