EC grants Slovenia a two-year reprieve to cut excessive deficit

29 May 2013

"We constantly stressed that we do not need help, but time", said Slovenian PM Bratušek following the publication of the EC's recommendations to Member States. She welcomed the fact that the European Commission had granted Slovenia two years to reduce excessive deficit.

According to the PM, the European Commission correctly perceived the efforts of the Slovenian Government to end the negative trends in the Slovenian economy, achieve fiscal balance and carry out the necessary structural reforms. However, the PM stressed that approval of such important documents as the Stability Programme and the National Reform Programme is only the beginning. “It will take years to carry out what we set out to do, as we cannot correct the errors accumulated in the past.” The Slovenian Government’s key priorities in the future are to re-start the economy, which is impossible without a thorough overhaul of banks and consequent improvement of the credit situation, help young job seekers and restore trust in the rule of law and justice.   

According to Finance Minister Čufer, today’s opinion of the European Commission proves that Brussels sees the situation similarly to Slovenia. He also stressed that we must be aware that the reforms must be carried on our own behalf and not because they are required by the European Commission.

Press release

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