IMF ranks Serbia among five fastest-growing economies in Europe

Serbia should be among the fastest-growing European economies in the next five years, with an average annual growth rate of around 3.5%, according to an analysis based on the latest projections by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

While the eurozone is expected to grow by an average of just around 1.2% per year in the period from 2027 to 2031, Serbia should grow almost three times faster. According to IMF estimates, Serbia’s growth should accelerate further towards the end of the period, with a peak around 2030 and 2031, Euronews reports.

The main driver of growth will be, as stated, a strong investment cycle, primarily related to the organization of the EXPO 2027 international exhibition in Belgrade. The project is estimated to stimulate major investments in infrastructure, including roads, railroads and urban renewal.

The IMF estimates that Serbia has built up significant macroeconomic reserves in recent years, while reducing inflation and preserving fiscal stability.

The Fund cites political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections as the main risks to further growth, as well as the need for large infrastructure projects to contribute to increasing economic productivity in the long term.

Međunarodni monetarni fond-MMF Beograd

International Monetary Fund

MMF

GDP growth