Publication year

The Slovak economy is expected to grow modestly by roughly 2.5% in 2014. Unfortunately, this does not significantly aid the structurally weak labour market, since unemployment is expected to remain persistently high. Meanwhile, the election of a new president bodes well for the business environment and the checks and balances of the political system.

Economic growth in Slovakia decelerated from 3.2% in 2011 to 2.2% in 2012. Strong foreign demand for Slovak cars and foreign direct investment, the latter primarily by foreign car producers, were the main drivers of growth.

The eurozone's south is implementing austerity measures while the north is buying them the time to do so. Economic issues are usually extensively discussed. But what are the political risks that might render this strategy unfeasible?

The small open economy of Slovakia rebounded comparatively well from the 2009 recession, posting 4% economic growth in 2010 on the back of strongly recovering exports. Domestic demand, however, did not yet contribute to economic growth and its contribution in the coming years will be limited by the government’s austerity measures.