Slovakia is one of many European countries that failed to exploit their high economic growth last year to make sufficient cuts in their deficits, concludes the European Reform Barometer, a comprehensive overview of progress in structural reforms in EU countries. With this in mind, the Slovak Employers' Union and others have called for European bodies and national governments to continue the reform process.
"Employers have voiced concern over the low reform drive of most European countries, resulting in falling competitiveness across the whole Union," said RUZ secretary Martin Hosták. In the overall assessment, Slovakia ranks below the EU average for reform progress last year, falling behind in terms of its labour market and business environment. Tardy progress was also highlighted in science and research and public finances, while an especially negative rating was given to the country's social and pension plans.
The report notes that while certain countries claim that reform of the labour market or the sustainability of public budgets are priorities, their rates of progress last year in these respects were among the slowest. TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
