Slovak Republic: 2014 Article IV Consultation - Staff Report; and Press Release

After slowing in 2013, the Slovak economy is gathering momentum as the euro area and domestic demand recover, the latter complementing the strong export sector that has made Slovakia one of Europe's more dynamic economies. Reducing still very high unemployment remains a key challenge, as does sustaining fiscal adjustment. Manageable public and private debt as well as a sound banking system limit vulnerabilities, but Slovakia's fortunes remain closely tied to external developments, especially in the euro area, and there are risks from regional tensions since Russia provides much of Slovakia's energy and is a reasonably important export market, including for Slovakia's trading partners.