In 2010, the Ministry of Finance of Belarus requested sequenced and targeted advice from the World Bank on the fiscal reform options available across priority areas of the budget. Responding to the authorities’ request, a programmatic (two-phase) Public Expenditure Review was agreed upon. This report delivers the analysis and recommendations of the first phase, focusing on: (i) an overall picture of the general government budget structure and key sources of fiscal pressure; and (ii) reform options (with fiscal and social impact assessment) in the areas of pensions, social assistance, housing and communal services, and subsidies in the agriculture sector
