(ANSA) - BRUSSELS - Slovenia and Croatia will keep the economic growth in 2016 and 2017, according to the Spring EU Commission forecast.

In Slovenia the main driver of growth in both 2016 and 2017 is expected to be private consumption. Both the general government deficit and debt levels are projected to gradually decline due to favourable macroeconomic conditions. GDP growth in Slovenia is forecast to moderate to 1.7% in 2016 and to accelerate to 2.3% in 2017, led by private consumption, the recovery of total investment and a further increase in public consumption. In Croatia, in 2016 the economy is set to grow by 1.8% and accelerate to 2.1% in 2017. Unemployment is set to further fall.

Modest employment growth should bring a reduction in the unemployment rate of about 0.8pps in both 2016 and 2017 (from 16.3% in 2015 to 15.5% in 2016 and 14.7% in 2017). (ANSA)