Slovak Republic


Book Description

This report assesses the Observance of Standards and Codes on Fiscal Transparency Module for the Slovak Republic. Fiscal management and transparency in the Slovak Republic have improved substantially over the last two years, and the country now meets the fiscal transparency code’s standards in several areas. Key weaknesses in the coverage of fiscal operations and in budget preparation have been largely addressed: budget preparation is now cast within clearly identified medium-term macroeconomic framework and constraints; and budget execution and reporting have new financial control and internal audit procedures.




Slovak Republic: Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes-Fiscal Transparency Module--Update


Book Description

This paper presents an Update to the Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC) on Fiscal Transparency for the Slovak Republic. The 2003 ROSC update noted important further progress by Slovakia in bringing fiscal transparency close to international best practice, including by improving the coverage and availability of fiscal information; advancing work on international reporting standards; and improving the reporting of contingent liabilities and expenditure arrears. The government has clarified financial relations with state-owned enterprises, applying an ex ante dividend policy in preparing the public administration budget for 2005-07.




Slovak Republic


Book Description

Multi-annual public expenditure limits (PEL) are the latest addition to Slovakia’s rule-based fiscal framework and provide an operational fiscal policy instrument to strengthen fiscal discipline. This report advises on enhancements to public financial management for the successful introduction of PEL. It outlines the steps to move towards a more strategic, medium-term approach to budgeting. It also advises on how to manage spending under the PEL, including through contingency margins; to integrate expenditure baselines and spending reviews in the budget process; and to tighten budget execution. Finally, it advises on institutional changes to facilitate the process.




Slovak Republic


Book Description

This 2002 Article IV Consultation highlights that after two years of subdued domestic activity, strong private domestic demand and expansionary fiscal policy in the Slovak Republic buoyed economic growth, which recovered to over 3 percent in 2001. Increased profitability, enterprise restructuring, and reduced corporate income tax boosted fixed investment. Rising real wages and employment, personal income tax reduction, and the redemption of National Property Fund bonds underpinned vigorous growth in private consumption. The general government deficit widened by a half percentage point of GDP to 4 percent of GDP in 2001.




Slovak Republic


Book Description

Strong exports in the Slovak Republic supported a healthy economic expansion with real GDP growing 3.3 percent in 2011. The 2012 Article IV Consultation highlights that the robust performance of net exports offset the contraction in domestic demand amid fiscal consolidation and volatile consumer confidence. Executive Directors have commended the prudent macroeconomic policies and sound fundamentals that have underpinned a strong recovery for the Slovak economy. Directors have also supported the authorities’ consolidation strategy to achieve fiscal sustainability.




Slovak Republic


Book Description

Selected Issues




Slovak Republic


Book Description

Leveraging its location and low-cost skilled labor, Slovakia has attained a very high level of integration with the global value chains, which has proved pivotal to exports growth and income convergence with the European Union. After half a decade of robust growth, the Slovak economy is decelerating. With rising trade tensions and a turning economic cycle, several vulnerabilities are coming to the fore. High dependence on exports combined with a concentrated export structure makes Slovakia particularly vulnerable to external developments. On the domestic front, a prolonged period of double-digit mortgage credit growth and declining bank profit margins have made households and the financial sector susceptible to labor and property market downturns.




Slovak Republic--joining the EU


Book Description

Annotation This study suggests an 11-point agenda for immediate policy action and a longer-term overhaul of major spending programs in the areas of education, health and social protection.




Slovak Republic


Book Description

This Technical Assistance paper assesses Slovak Republic’s public investment management framework using the IMF’s Public Investment Management Assessment (PIMA) methodology and advises the authorities on options to strengthen further the management of public investment. State-owned enterprises are major investors in infrastructure but are subject to little central oversight of their operational or financial performance. The report makes seven recommendations aimed at strengthening PIM institutions and reducing the identified efficiency gap. These recommendations focus on key bottlenecks and challenges in the investment process. Issues that warrant the authorities’ primary attention include introducing a strategic planning framework for public investment; developing a fully-operational pipeline of major projects, based on clear and robust selection criteria; and improving the credibility of the annual budget and medium-term budget ceilings. It also recommends establishing a national strategy and norms for routine and capital maintenance budgeting that will enhance the quality of strategic existing infrastructure.