Annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates slowed in 2023 as the effects of the high inflation rates hit the global economy, even being negative in Germany. In Eastern Europe, the GDP grew by less than 0.3 percent. What is GDP? GDP is an important indicator to measure the economic strength of a country. It is the sum of all the consumption, investment, government expenditures, and net exports in a country. For this reason, consumer confidence can give an idea of future GDP growth. Similarly, stock exchanges such as the S&P 500 index can give an idea of the investment trends in an economy. Government spending tends to be more constant, and net exports are generally a smaller component of overall GDP. In fact, a negative trade balance can fuel an economy by boosting domestic consumption and investment. Not included in GDP GDP does not account for some factors. For example, existing infrastructure is not a part of the GDP calculation, though a thriving economy would be impossible without it. Nevertheless, GDP is the most widespread measure of economic performance because of its simplicity and wide scope.

During the post-war economic boom, between the Second World War and the 1970s' recession, virtually all areas of Europe experienced significant economic growth. While this period is known as the "Golden Age of Capitalism" in Western Europe, communist countries in Eastern Europe (with socialist economic systems) generally experienced higher GDP growth rates in the 1950s and 1960s. Although most of these economies entered the period at a much less-developed stage than the likes of Britain, France, or West Germany, the Soviet model proved to be an economic success in these decades. Controlling the means of production The transition to communism across Eastern Europe saw the nationalization of most industries, as governments took control of the means of production in their respective countries. As much of Eastern Europe entered the period with relatively-low levels of industrialization compared to the west, this meant that governments could dictate the development of their manufacturing and retail industries. By the end of the 1960s, state-owned endeavors in Eastern Europe were responsible for over 95 percent of national income. Problems did arise, however, when states attempted to take control of the agricultural sector, as many of the families who owned the land were unwilling to part with it. Agriculture proved to be the only major industry not mostly owned by the state during Eastern Europe's communist era; in the long term, agriculture suffered due to the lack of government investment in such state-run economic systems. Variations There is a correlation between the sides taken during the Second World War and the speed of economic growth in each decade; the Allied nations of Czechoslovakia, Poland, the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia all experienced faster economic growth in the 1950s; whereas the Axis nations of Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania saw faster growth in the 1960s. East Germany was the exception to this rule, as its economy was much more developed than other former-Axis powers. The speed of recovery in these countries was the largest contributor to variations in growth rates, although regional variations in governance did influence development in later years (particularly in Yugoslavia).

In almost 30 years, the GDP of Estonia, Lithuania, Romania, Czechia, and Latvia has increased ********. Poland and Slovakia respectively recorded the most significant, *****-fold increase in GDP between 1990 and 2018.

According to European Commission forecasts, ****** will achieve the highest GDP growth in 2025 (+*** percent), followed by Croatia and Lithuania.

The period between 1950 and 1973, known as the "Golden Age of capitalism" in the west, was the most prosperous period in Europe's modern history. The economic boom in the post-war period saw GDP grow by an average of almost four percent in Western and Eastern Europe, and almost five percent in the south. Although the west was the most technologically advanced of the three, this period did see a significant amount of catching up in the other two regions, whose rapid industrialization and urbanization changed the lives of its citizens forever. Recession hits the west The recession of 1973-1975 brought this economic and industrial growth to an end, however, as conflict in the Middle East saw oil prices skyrocket. Virtually all of Western Europe's industrial powers went into recession, and this had a detrimental knock-on effect in Poland and Romania due to their indebtedness to the west. While the recession ended in most countries by 1976, factors such as unemployment, inflation, and industrial output often remained high until the 1980s. The 1980s and 1990s also saw the rapid economic growth of countries such as Ireland and Finland. However, growth was much slower in these decades for most western economies than it had been in the 1950s and1960s. Collapse of communism The 1970s marked the beginning of the economic decline in Eastern Europe, as the command economies of the East Bloc could not maintain pace with the capitalist west and failed to adapt to the challenges that emerged in this period. Communism in Eastern Europe eventually ended around the early 1990s, and the largest power, the Soviet Union, was dissolved. This resulted in severe economic hardships in the former communist states, and recovery in the former-Soviet states did not begin until the late 1990s. The effects of communism's collapse in Europe was so severe that GDP in the east actually fell by an average of 0.9 percent per year between 1973 and 1998

The current growing interest in the growth of the Western European economies between the end of World War II and the first oil crisis of 1973 is primarily due to the end of the Cold War and the subsequent demand for solutions for the economic problems of Central and Eastern European transition countries. It was and is discussed to what extent we could learn from the successful rebuilding of the Western European economies. In this context one area of special interest is the reconstruction of West Germany, closely accompanied by the principle of the social market economy. The recollection of this principle, and the call for a new Marshall Plan imply the idea that the Western European post-war boom in essence can be traced to a successful economic policy. It is shown how this assumption can stand up to a theoretical and empirical analysis. Using the new growth theory and the cointegration analysis both national (eg social market economy and Planification (i.e. macroeconomic framework development planning)) and international explanations (eg the Marshall Plan) of the so called ‘golden age’ are examined. It turns out that the impact of economic policies on economic growth must be put into perspective. In contrast, the importance of the different economic conditions of the countries for the explication of their growth process is underlined. Variables, inter alia:- Investment behavior of industry- Production and Export industry- Exchange Rates- Structure of the economies Data focus:Foreign trade structure, external value (foreign wholesale prices), export volume, industrial production, capital stock, long-term development (income, investment rates, openness, exchange rates), patents (patent applications in Germany, France). List of tables in the database HISTAT ZA:- Investment rates in four European countries (1880-1995)- Net fixed assets of the industry in Germany (1950-1968)- Sectoral Gross capital expenditures in Germany (1960-1976)- Sectoral Gross investment in France (1949-1965)- Export volume index of France and the Federal Republic of Germany (1950-1973)- Export volume in millions of current U.S. dollars (1951-1990)- Weighted exchange rate index in indirect rate (1950-1973)- Index of industrial production in Europe and North America (1950-1973)- Construction and equipment investment in Germany (1950-1968)- Investment rates in four European countries (1880-1995)- Sectoral gross and net capital stock in France (1950-1970)- Sectoral gross and net capital stock, investment in France (1950-1969)- Percentage of the French colonies in the French total exports (1950-1973)- Openness of four European economies (1880-1994)- Annual patent applications in the United States (1963-1995)- Real per capita income in Europe and the United States (1870-1992)- Regional structure of the French export value (1896-1973)- French sector gross investment (1960-1976)- Exchange rates in four European countries (1891-1995) Territory of investigation:Germany, France, further OECD-states. Sources:Publications of the official French and German statistics, publications of the OECD, USA and further states; scientific journals.

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The purpose of this study was to build up a suitable data bank for the investigation and to examine the causes of variation, in economic growth over time and between countries.
Main Topics:

Variables
Industrial output, gross and value added; employment in terms of manhours, capital stock, investment in fixed assets. All these variables relate to industry total and major industrial branches. There are, in addition, variables concerned with education, labour shifts and operation of capital stock.

Abstract: This empirical study analyses the potential determinants of GDP growth in selected European countries. The study is conducted on the data for 19 countries from Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe within 2014 to 2020 time - framework. The influence of possible drivers of economic growth are investigated by employing dynamic panel data modeling, specifically System GMM method. The insights made by the study reveal that fiscal responsibility, initial development, inflation rate, EU membership are the main GDP growth drivers. In addition, we control for the institutional determinants of economic growth, as well as the role of R&D. These results provide further support for the hypothesis that macroeconomic policies conducted in a responsible and sustainable way can significantly improve countries growth perspectives. These findings may help us to understand that trinity between policies, institutions and technology is conditio sine qua non of economic growth.

The fastest growing economy in Europe in 2024 was Malta. The small Mediterranean country's gross domestic product grew at five percent in 2024, beating out Montenegro which had a growth rate of almost four percent and the Russian Federation which had a rate of 3.6 percent in the same year. Estonia was the country with the largest negative growth in 2024, as the Baltic country's economy shrank by 0.88 percent compared with 2023, largely as a result of the country's exposure to the economic effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent economic sanctions placed on Russia. Germany, Europe's largest economy, experience economic stagnation with a growth of 0.1 percent. Overall, the EU (which contains 27 European countries) registered a growth rate of one percent and the Eurozone (which contains 20) grew by 0.8 percent.

This is data and code accompanying the article “The Long-term Effects of Communism in Eastern Europe”, published in the Journal of Economic Perspectives.

Contains annual data on the main macroeconomic series (GDP, labour, capital, investment and etc) of socialist economies in central and eastern Europe – Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland and Yugoslavia – as well as the US. The monetary values are expressed in 1990 Int. GK$, and the output data of socialist economies is fully comparable to that of market-based economies that use the System of National Accounts.

The Eastern European construction market, exhibiting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7%, presents a significant investment opportunity. Driven by increasing urbanization, government infrastructure projects (particularly in transportation and energy), and a growing need for residential and commercial spaces, the market is projected to experience substantial expansion throughout the forecast period (2025-2033). Key players like Vinci, ACS, Bouygues, and others are actively engaged, competing for market share across various sectors. While the specific market size for 2025 is not provided, a logical estimation considering a 7% CAGR from a prior year and industry trends would place it within a range reflecting substantial growth. Factors like fluctuating material prices, geopolitical instability (particularly affecting countries like Ukraine), and skilled labor shortages present potential restraints. However, the ongoing investment in infrastructure development, fueled by both public and private funding, is expected to mitigate these challenges. The market is segmented by sector, with significant growth projected across residential, commercial, and infrastructure segments. The infrastructure sector, specifically transportation and energy projects, is likely to be a primary driver due to EU funding and national priorities. Regional variations will exist, with countries like Romania and Hungary potentially leading in terms of growth, while others may experience slower growth due to differing economic conditions and political landscapes. The strong growth trajectory is underpinned by several factors. The European Union's investment in infrastructure modernization across Eastern Europe is a significant catalyst, driving significant projects in transportation, energy, and utilities. Furthermore, increasing tourism and foreign investment are boosting demand for commercial construction. The ongoing expansion of urban areas and rising disposable incomes are fueling the residential construction sector. While challenges remain, the overall outlook for the Eastern European construction market is positive, indicating attractive prospects for both established players and new entrants seeking long-term growth in a dynamic and evolving market. Continuous monitoring of geopolitical risks and economic fluctuations will be vital for success in this region. Notable trends are: Increase in Residential Building Permits in Romania:.

Aggregate indicators at the level of the country for 7 countries of the East Bloc from the areas of economy, defense, population and society.

Topics: 1. Population and society: population density; population growth from 1970 to 1978; infant mortality and life expectancy; degree of urbanization; rate of provision with running water and sanitary facilities; residential furnishings and housing conditions; hospital beds and doctors per capita; proportion of children in kindergartens; proportion of women in various branchs of the economy; religious affiliation; divorce rate; training level of the population; education expenditures; employees in technology and science; scientific book production; social mobility.

1. Economy: growth rate of the gross national product; GNP per capita; public investments; merchandise import and export; proportion of employees and proportion of production in the individual sectors of the economy; average income; meat consumption and supply of calories; trade with Comecon countries, capitalist and under-developed countries; trade deficit and foreign debt; growth of import and export as well as of income; work productivity; working hours needed for selected goods; capital intensity; provision of households with telephone, television, cars and other durable economic goods; energy import and energy use; employee-worker relationship; development of real income as well as prices; private savings; income concentration; retail trade index; hectare yields and proportion of private agriculture.

2. Military: defense expenditures; export of weapons; strength of military forces; proportion of defense expenditures in gross national product; number of disturbances and protest demonstrations; armed attacks and persons killed; sanctions of the government; internal security forces.

3. Miscellaneous: content analysis of newspapers regarding reports about human rights, disarmament, economic as well as technical cooperation and conflicts after adoption of the final agreement of Helsinki and Belgrad.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Lithuania's and Poland's GDP growth stood at *** percent, demonstrating a robust performance among Central and Eastern European countries. This figure reflects an increase from the previous quarter's growth and remains significantly higher than the average GDP growth of the European Union, which was recorded at *** percent during the same period.

The Eastern European construction market, valued at approximately €[Estimate based on XX million and market context, e.g., €200 million] in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.00% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Firstly, increasing urbanization and population growth across the region are fueling demand for residential and commercial construction. Secondly, significant investments in infrastructure development, particularly in transportation networks and energy infrastructure (modernization and expansion of renewable energy sources), are providing a substantial boost to the market. Furthermore, government initiatives focused on improving housing affordability and sustainable urban development are acting as catalysts. While challenges remain, such as economic volatility in some Eastern European countries and potential labor shortages, the overall outlook remains positive. However, certain constraints could temper growth. Geopolitical instability and fluctuations in raw material prices present ongoing risks. Furthermore, the regulatory environment and bureaucratic processes can sometimes hinder project implementation. The market is segmented across residential, commercial, industrial, infrastructure (transportation), and energy and utilities sectors, with residential and infrastructure projects likely dominating market share. Key players, including Vinci, Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas, Balfour Beatty, Strabag, ACS, Royal BAM Group NV, Bouygues, Eiffage, Skanska, and Acciona, are actively competing for market share, often focusing on large-scale infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships. The varying economic conditions across countries like Romania, Hungary, Croatia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and the rest of Eastern Europe will influence sector-specific growth trajectories within the overall market. This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Eastern Europe construction market, offering invaluable insights for investors, contractors, and industry stakeholders. With a study period spanning from 2019 to 2033, a base year of 2025, and a forecast period from 2025 to 2033, this report leverages historical data (2019-2024) to provide accurate projections of market growth and dynamics. The report delves into market size (in millions), key trends, and growth drivers across various segments including residential, commercial, industrial, infrastructure (transportation), and energy & utilities construction. This report is your key to unlocking the potential of this dynamic market. Key drivers for this market are: Urbanization and Infrastructure Development, Sustainable Construction Practices. Potential restraints include: Labor Shortages and Costs. Notable trends are: Increase in Residential Building Permits in Romania:.

Georgia's real gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated to have the highest increase in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Central Asia, by 7.5 percent in 2024. The economy of Russia was expected to grow at a decreasing rate until 2026.

Serbia is not growing as fast it could. Investment and productivity are low and slow growing; and the continuing large role of the state in the economy makes it difficult for the private sector to accelerate economic growth. Serbia is well-positioned to turn itself into a fast-growing, sophisticated modern economy, driven by its private sector. To succeed, Serbia needs a new strategy, a New Growth Agenda (NGA) to speed up growth, enable catch-up with its peers in Central and Eastern Europe and hasten convergence with the EU.

This dataset provides values for GDP PER CAPITA PPP reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

Attitude to the EC and current political and economic questions of the country. Trust in other peoples and evaluation of democratic and economic reforms. Topics: In at least two of the involved countries the following questions were posed: judgement on the general political and economic development of the country; expected development of the economic situation; judgement on one´s own financial situation; attitude to the market economy; personal opinion leadership; frequency of political discussions; judgement on economic reforms; satisfaction with democracy; feeling as European; attitude to European unification; knowledge about the EC or the Common Market; judgement on the goals and activities of the EC; knowledge of the president of the EC Commission; judgement on Western European economic aid for the country; attitude to a closer cooperation with the EC and desired point in time for the country´s joining the EC; attitude to EC cooperation of the country in selected political, social and cultural areas; attitude to unification of the two German states; most important source of information about the EC; self-assessment of extent to which informed about the EC and frequency of obtaining news in press, radio and television; extent of trust in the residents of Ukraine, Turkey, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Slovakia, Greece, Russia, Romania, Austria, Portugal, Poland, Norway, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Yugoslavia, Ireland, Italy, Holland, France, Finland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Belorussia, Belgium, America; self-classification on a left-right continuum; attitude to the so-called ´European House´ and ´Pan-European Unification´; interest in affairs and problems of the EC; contentment with life; interest in politics; benefit of EC membership for one´s own country; knowledge as well as judgement on the European social charter and the common domestic market; judgement on the speed of unification of the two German states; judgement on the membership of reunited Germany in the EC; regret of a failure of the EC; approval of a European Government; satisfaction with the national government; expected price development and development of unemployment; judgement on price development in comparison to wage development; expected success of the government in economic policy; necessity of social reforms (scale); desired extent of rapproachment to the EC and domestic market; media usage.

One of the most important policies of the European Union is regional development, which comprises measures of enhancing economic growth and citizens’ living standards via strategic investment. Considering that economic growth and wellbeing are intertwined from the perspective of EU policies, this study examines the relationship between wellbeing-related infrastructure and economic growth in 212 NUTS 2 regional subdivisions across the members of Eu-28 during the period 2001–2020. We therefore analyzed data from 151 Western Europe regions and 61 Central and Eastern Europe regions by means of a panel data analysis with the first-difference generalized method of moments estimator. Our main interest was to determine the degree to which Western Europe regions responded to predictors as compared to Central and Eastern Europe regions. According to the empirical results, the predictors with the strongest influence for Western Europe regions were disposable household income, inter-regional mobility, housing indicator, labor force and participation. For Central and Eastern Europe regions, the largest impact was triggered by the housing indicator, internet broadband access and air pollution. In addition, we determined a relational weighted multiplex between all variables of interest by using dynamic time warping and we introduced topological measures in a multilayer multiplex model for both regional subsamples.