As economic growth accelerated significantly in 2017, the Czech Republic is in a good position to address remaining structural challenges, the European Commission says. 

The Czech Republic is enjoying an economic upswing. Real GDP is expected to have increased by 4.5 % in 2017 and to grow by around 3 % in both 2018 and 2019, according to the Commission Winter 2018 forecast. 

The Czech Republic’s investment outlook is buoyant. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is highly productive, supporting over a quarter of all private sector jobs and more than three quarters of all exports. On the other hand, investment in infrastructure continues to remain below the EU average. Investment is expected to increase strongly as companies — especially in manufacturing industries — ramp up investment in machinery. 

Labour market indicators set new records but at the same time signal limits to future growth. With an increasing level of employment approaching 80 % and an unemployment rate of 2.5 % in the fourth quarter of 2017, the country is facing a tightened labour market and increased labour shortages. 

Inflation has moved above the central bank’s 2.0 % target. The inflation rate reached 2.4 % in 2017, rising significantly from 0.6 % in 2016. In 2018 and 2019 the inflation rate is expected to moderate and stabilise around the 2 % target. 

The Czech Republic has made limited progress in addressing the long-term sustainability of public finances. Some progress has been made in improving the anti-corruption and public procurement frameworks and in streamlining procedures for granting building permits. The range of e-government services has expanded and the quality of R&D has slightly improved. Some progress has also been observed in fostering employment of under-represented groups.  

Source: 2018 European Semester Country report

Key structural issues analysed in this report, which point to particular challenges for the Czech Republic’s economy, are the following:

• The increasing complexity of the tax system is a concern.
• Long-term fiscal sustainability worsened and age-related expenditures are causes for concern. 
• Housing prices are increasing rapidly against a backdrop of high demand, constrained supply and regulatory obstacles. 
• Certain regulatory and administrative burdens are deterring further investment. 
• Steps were taken to improve the public procurement framework and the anticorruption agenda.
• Despite high demand for labour, certain groups continue to be under-represented in the labour market.
• The attractiveness of the teaching profession remains low in spite of recent salary increases.
• Whilst the Czech economy continues its shift towards more knowledge-intensive activities, several bottlenecks still hamper the R&D system.
• E-government services are being enhanced, but remain below EU average.

>> More details in the European Commission press release.

View also how the Czech Republic stands in the EU social scoreboard. The Czech Republic lags behind in employment of women and in the area of formal childcare for children aged less than 3 years.

How are EU countries performing when it comes to equal opportunities & access to the labour market, chapter 1 of the European Pillar of #SocialRights?

Check out our factsheet → https://t.co/eTYlUzq9cH #EuropeanSemester pic.twitter.com/zw5Esm2Zix

— EU Social

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