In parallel with the publication of its country-specific economic recommendations (see other news), on Wednesday 27 February, the European Commission came to the opinion that the Slovenian draft budget for 2019 presented a risk of non-compliance with Ljubljana's budgetary commitments under the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact.
While the Commission has already issued opinions on the 2019 draft budgetary plans Member States in the euro zone, the Slovenian situation for this year is quite specific.
Indeed, the government that took office in September had submitted a draft budgetary plan under a policy assumption unchanged since October, as had the other euro zone Member States (see EUROPE 12117). The Commission had further asked for clarification on this draft budgetary plan a few days later (see EUROPE 12122).
This new budgetary plan, submitted to the institution on January 25, takes into account the measures adopted by this government. However, the Commission is of the opinion that it presents a risk of non-compliance with the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact.
Slovenian authorities are expected to make a structural adjustment of 0.65% of GDP this year, in line with an EU Council recommendation on the matter. Nevertheless, the Commission considers, in view of the data provided, that the structural deficit is expected to deteriorate by 0.1% of GDP.
It therefore invites Ljubljana to implement any necessary measures to comply with its budgetary obligations. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)