CEE 2025+: Outperforming Western Europe

For many global companies, Central & Eastern Europe remains an afterthought — yet current macroeconomic data points to a region with stronger momentum than most of Western Europe.

Recent reports highlight that CEE economies continue to grow faster than the EU average. Real retail sales in the CEE-6 countries increased by 3.5% year-on-year in Q2 2025, signalling resilient consumer demand even in a challenging European environment. Rising household spending plays a crucial role in this trend, reinforcing CEE’s position as a consumption-driven region with a strong appetite for technology and modern retail.

Market analyses show that while some sectors face temporary headwinds — including subdued industrial demand and soft manufacturing activity — the overall economic trajectory is positive. Many CEE markets outpace Western peers due to structural factors: rapid digitalisation, improving infrastructure, and younger consumer demographics.

For companies evaluating long-term strategy, CEE represents a window of opportunity that is still underestimated. Growth is here — the question is who will use it and who will overlook it again.