IMF Staff Country Reports

Republic of Croatia: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; and Staff Report

July 29, 2024

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Format: Chicago

International Monetary Fund. European Dept. "Republic of Croatia: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; and Staff Report", IMF Staff Country Reports 2024, 246 (2024), accessed December 21, 2024, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798400285332.002

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Summary

The 2024 Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Croatia highlights that the economy has performed strongly despite consecutive external shocks. The impressive post-pandemic growth during 2021–2022 moderated to 3.1 percent in 2023, still among the highest in the euro area. Inflation has decelerated considerably since early 2023 but still persists above the euro area average, owing to elevated food and services inflation amid a tight labor market. The authorities should immediately withdraw broad-based cost-of-living measures and implement their plan to meaningfully reduce the deficit from 2025 and return to a structural primary balance by 2027. Prudence and decisive reforms are warranted to build buffers for future shocks and long-term spending needs. The financial sector has weathered well the recent monetary tightening, and systemic risks appear manageable. Close monitoring of potential build-up of risks in the real estate sector is warranted. The multidimensional nature of labor shortages requires coordinated policies to foster labor participation, reduce skills mismatch, facilitate labor mobility, and reduce net emigration.

Subject: Financial institutions, Fiscal policy, Fiscal stance, Inflation, Labor, Labor markets, Loans, Prices

Keywords: Authorities project, EU integration process, Europe, Fiscal stance, FX reserve management monetary policy instrument, Global, Green transition, Inflation, Inflation expectation, Labor markets, Loans

Publication Details

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