The Balkans' Bulletproof Investment Destination

Business forecasts for Central and Eastern Europe got gloomier at the beginning of autumn 2022 in anticipation of a challenging winter ahead. The war in Ukraine and its consequences – sanctions against Russia, increased energy prices (mainly natural gas), broken supply chains and soaring inflation – have soured the investment climate for key players in the region. Higher costs of construction materials and rising interest rates have depressed the real estate market. Almost every conference about investment in the region starts with an ode to times gone by.

Despite the prevailing sense of caution, several international forums set out to summarise the criteria that financial institutions and investors deem necessary for a successful investment. The list included the following: