Central and Eastern Europe posts record FDI year on resilient manufacturing

Foreign direct investment into Central and Eastern Europe reached a new high over the past twelve months, driven by a wave of electric-vehicle, battery and electronics projects relocating into the region.

Hungary, Poland and Czechia accounted for the largest share of announced greenfield value, while Romania and Serbia continued to attract shared-services and IT investment thanks to competitive labour costs.

Analysts note that EU-funded transition programmes and national incentive schemes have reinforced the region's appeal, even as wage growth narrows the cost gap with Western Europe.

Investors cite three consistent drivers: access to the EU single market, a skilled engineering and IT workforce, and predictable incentive frameworks tied to job creation and R&D.