The Economist: Central Europe’s Goldilocks economies – Never had it so good

31/07/2018

The region is enjoying a boom. Countries from the Baltic states in the north to Black Sea states have become considerably richer over the past two decades. GDP per person in the Czech Republic is now close to that in Spain.

Bulgaria and Romania are much poorer, but managing to win investment and grow, too. The foreign-led development model has had much success. But long-term success requires more skilled workers and more innovative companies. Central Europe has benefited greatly from integration with countries to the west. But its dependence on exports and EU funds is also a source of vulnerability. It needs to plan for what might replace them.

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