Slovakia

Record economic growth of 8.3% in 2006 driven by investments and stock-building will slow marginally in 2007. Due to falling energy prices, inflation should no longer be an obstacle for adopting the euro. The strong economic growth will support the fulfilment of the Maastricht public finance criteria in 2007. The external position should remain well balanced with the current account deficit shrinking alongside a slowdown in FDI inflows.