International rating as a creditworthiness measure of a state

Abstract

Credit rating agencies play an important role in the world due to the fact that rating has become a reliable indicator of the evaluation of a debt investment. A reliable agency that is globally recognised ought to be independent, objective, professional, ethical and substantive. Rating itself constitutes an opinion that concerns the possibility of servicing of payment obligations made by a given entity. It is also frequently defined as an independent and objective evaluation of credit risk of a given entity wishing to contract a debt. Rating is a dynamic category concerning the future, therefore each forecast is surrounded by uncertainty. Ratings of individual agencies may differ considerably. The aim of the article is to discuss the role of international rating as a credibility measure of a state, the role of credit rating agencies, of the rules of rating and of the level of rating for the countries of the European Union, especially given the fact that rating for a country is reflected in its credibility and attractiveness.