Growth in the East: Poland and Croatia overtake Austria!

Growth in the East: Poland and Croatia overtake Austria!

The economic situation in Europe shows evidence of slow but steady growth, particularly in certain regions of Central Eastern Europe. Loud The press There are positive developments in Croatia, Poland and the Czech Republic, while Austria will be the only EU member to experience a contraction of -0.3% in 2025. These various trends within the EU are also reflected in the European Commission's 2024 spring forecast.

In 2024, GDP growth is forecast to be moderate in the EU of 1.0% and in the euro area of ​​0.8%. Growth forecasts increase to 1.6% in the EU and 1.4% in the euro area in 2025. This stability comes despite higher geopolitical risks and a stagnating economy in Germany, which will only recover slowly due to uncertainties EU representation reported.

Economic highlights in Central Eastern Europe

Poland stands out as the EU's sixth largest economy, with a forecast GDP growth of 3.3%. The positive indicators in Poland include a large domestic market, high investment volumes and stable inflation of 3.6%. This is associated with a remarkable unemployment rate of just 2.8%, which means de facto full employment. Croatia follows with an estimated growth of 3.2%, supported by robust private consumption and EU funding. The Czech Republic has a stable domestic economy in which the negative trade balance is compensated for by domestic consumption.

• Wachstumsaussichten:
  • Polen: 3,3%
  • Kroatien: 3,2%
  • Tschechien: Stabil, positive Trends durch Binnenkonsum

In contrast, Hungary has an “uncertain business environment” leading to below-average growth. Although private consumer power is developing positively, companies are showing restraint in their investments. Another aspect is Hungary's anti-EU course, which led to important EU funding being foregone. Nevertheless, a forecast GDP increase of 2.5% is forecast for 2026, supported by robust private consumption and improved export prospects.

Overall economic stability

The EU as a whole is showing signs of stable economic resilience. The decline in HICP inflation suggests that purchasing power is gradually increasing again, with a forecast inflation rate of 2.7% in 2024, falling to 2.2% in 2025. This development is viewed as positive, particularly in the context of the economic recovery after the challenges of recent years.

The need to increase competitiveness and resilience is underlined by various EU representatives. However, these challenges are mitigated by improving employment rates and stable private consumption, while the average unemployment rate was 6.0% in 2023.

Overall, the prospects for 2025 point to a slow but steady improvement in the economic situation in the EU. While some countries are stagnating or experiencing shrinkage, others such as Poland and Croatia show through their positive economic indicators that there are also significant growth opportunities within the EU.