EC: Hungary macroeconomic imbalance “not excessive”

EU

The European Commission counted Hungary among European Union member states that are experiencing macroeconomic imbalances, but not among those whose imbalances are considered excessive, in an assessment released today.

“Hungary continues to experience macroeconomic imbalances, which require monitoring and decisive policy action,” read the results for Hungary within in-depth reviews of the economies of 17 member states. 

“In particular,” noted analysis authors, “the ongoing adjustment of the highly negative net international position, the high level of public and private debt in the context of a fragile financial sector and deteriorating export performance continue to deserve very close attention.”

The assessment stated that Hungary’s net international investment position had been improving, but mainly because of private sector deleveraging. Export performance was called “lackluster” and the EC report commented that encouraging signs in manufacturing would not be enough by itself to produce a turnaround.

The EC acknowledged a decline in debt level in Hungary, but said risks related to private debt remain. Deleveraging has been hindered by a high share of distressed borrowers, a depressed home market, a fragile financial sector, the big share of foreign currency-denominated loans and prevailing business uncertainty, it said.

“Restoring normal lending to the economy in a sustainable manner would require improving the operating environment for banks,” reckoned the analysis.

The EC stated that Hungary’s high level of state debt was “another important source of concern.” It noted “substantial improvements” in the structural fiscal balance, but said a weak forint, poor growth potential and elevated financing costs had kept the debt from declining.

Finally, the ‘Commission estimated that Hungary’s structural balance will deteriorate in 2014.

Hungary Signs HUF 6 bln Tied Aid Deal With Kenya Analysis

Hungary Signs HUF 6 bln Tied Aid Deal With Kenya

Moldovan Pensions to be Increased as of April 1 World

Moldovan Pensions to be Increased as of April 1

Schoenherr Names Miklós Klenanc as Head of Local M&A Practic... Appointments

Schoenherr Names Miklós Klenanc as Head of Local M&A Practic...

Hungarian Wine Marketing Agency to Host Summit Drinks

Hungarian Wine Marketing Agency to Host Summit

SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL

Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.