Council Opinion

of 18 January 2005

on the updated convergence programme of the Czech Republic, 2004-2007

(2005/C 79/02)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies [1], and in particular Article 9(3) thereof,

Having regard to the recommendation of the Commission,

After consulting the Economic and Financial Committee,

HAS DELIVERED THIS OPINION:

| 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |

Real GDP(% change) | CP December 2004 | 3,8 | 3,6 | 3,7 | 3,8 |

COM autumn 2004 | 3,8 | 3,8 | 4,0 | n.a. |

CP May 2004 | 2,8 | 3,1 | 3,3 | 3,5 |

HICP inflation(%) | CP December 2004 | 2,7 | 3,2 | 2,6 | 2,2 |

COM autumn 2004 | 2,8 | 3,1 | 2,9 | n.a. |

CP May 2004 | 2,8 | 2,6 | 2,2 | 2,2 |

General government balance(% of GDP) | CP December 2004 | – 5,2 | – 4,7 | – 3,8 | – 3,3 |

COM autumn 2004 | – 4,8 | – 4,7 | – 4,3 | n.a. |

CP May 2004 | – 5,3 | – 4,7 | – 3,8 | – 3,3 |

Primary balance(% of GDP) | CP December 2004 | – 4,0 | – 3,3 | – 2,3 | – 1,7 |

COM autumn 2004 | – 3,6 | – 3,3 | – 2,9 | n.a. |

CP May 2004 | – 4,1 | – 3,4 | – 2,4 | – 1,7 |

Government gross debt(% of GDP) | CP December 2004 | 38,6 | 38,3 | 39,2 | 40,0 |

COM autumn 2004 | 37,8 | 39,4 | 40,6 | n.a. |

CP May 2004 | 38,4 | 39,7 | 41,0 | 41,7 |

[1] OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1.

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