Czech Republic highest among CEE peers in 2014 economic freedom index
The Czech Republic gained the highest place out of the whole CEE region in terms of economic freedom, according to a survey carried out by international research institute, The Heritage Foundation.
“The Czech Republic’s economic freedom score is 72.2, making its economy the 26th freest in the 2014 Index,” The Heritage Fund wrote in a commentary. “Its overall score is 1.3 points better than last year, with notable improvements in half of the 10 economic freedoms, including investment freedom, business freedom, and freedom from corruption.”
Poland ranked no. 50 in the index up one point from last year, placing it above the global average. Hungary gained position no. 51 and Slovakia came in at 57, down by 2.3 points compared to the previous year.
Bulgaria and Romania were placed at no. 61 and 62 respectively, both climbed slightly compared to 2013.
Out of the countries which this publication focuses on Serbia had the worst ranking. It came in at 95 in the “mostly unfree” section of the survey.
“It’s score is 0.8 points higher than last year, with improvements in investment freedom, monetary freedom and freedom from corruption balanced by declines in the control of government spending, fiscal freedom, business freedom, and trade freedom,” the Heritage Foundation wrote.
The Heritage Foundation also voiced concerns with regards to Serbia, focusing on graft and misconduct, which are seen as widespread in a country with a government that is ill-equipped to deal with corruption.
