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A mission was undertaken in Beirut, Lebanon, from September 2 to 4, 2025, by the IMF Middle East Regional Technical Assistance Center (METAC) with the objective of enhancing Syria’s national accounts. The mission evaluated the current work plan for improving annual GDP estimates for 2022–2024 and provided recommendations to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). A comprehensive workplan was established to review data sources, compile supply and use tables, and strengthen staff competencies. This initiative encompasses both immediate improvements and medium-term capacity development, conducted in close coordination with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia.

Croatia’s public spending efficiency in education and healthcare can be increased. Increased efficiency would free fiscal resources that could be used for fiscal savings and/or improved outcomes. This would require reforms such as consolidating schools, increasing instructional hours, revising curricula, shifting emphasis from vocational education toward general education, and supporting tertiary enrollment. In healthcare, reforms should focus on telemedicine and primary care, reorganizing hospitals, and prioritizing preventive measures. These reforms would also foster human capital accumulation, reduce labor shortage and skills mismatches, boost productivity, and increase the creation and diffusion of innovation. They would improve potential growth.

This paper evaluates Armenia’s fiscal framework, focusing on fiscal rule design and implementation. Despite the 2018 reforms strengthening the Armenia’s fiscal rules, limitations persist: rules are somewhat procyclical and complex, ex-post enforcement is not legally binding, coverage is restricted to central government, and operational flexibility is limited. Armenia’s fiscal rules have served the country well, but further improvements could be considered. Drawing on international best practices, the paper recommends upgrading fiscal rules to improve countercyclicality, simplify design, broaden coverage, and strengthen transparency and enforcement. Proposed reforms include consolidating expenditure rules, formalizing escape clauses, expanding coverage, and empowering independent oversight.

Historically, Aruba benefited from population growth that expanded the labor force, thereby boosting productivity and fostering economic growth—a phenomenon known as the “demographic dividend”. However, declining fertility rates and a rapidly aging population are altering the balance between the economically active working population and those dependent on them. This study analyzes recent demographic trends and their potential impact on the labor markets and medium-term growth. Then, it discusses policies that could help to increase labor force participation (LFP) and reduce bottlenecks on further growth.