Belgium: Further consolidation of national finances

In the first half of 2000, the economic recovery continued. Real GDP grew by an estimated 3¾% and unemployment fell to an annual average of 8.5%. Governmental budgets were nearly balanced, and the current account displayed substantial surpluses. In 2001 GDP is expected to grow by almost 2¾%. Employment will grow by about 1¼%, and the unemployment rate will fall to 8%.