The economic growth is expected to fall to 2.2% in 2016 from 4.5% in 2015, largely due to the drop in investment linked to the cycle of EU investment funding. Growth is expected to pick up to 2.6% in 2017 and 2.7% in 2018 as investment activity recovers, also supported by the continuing strength in private and public consumption. The headline government deficit is forecast to decline to 0.2% in 2016, from 0.6% in 2015, but to creep upwards in 2017 and 2018, Autumn 2016 Economic Forecast published by the European Comission says.

According to the recently published IMF report Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe: Effective Government for Stronger Growth, with profit margins near 2009 lows in some and falling appreciably in other CESEE EU countries, the current solid growth may be difficult to sustain. Without a rebound in productivity, which takes time, it may be difficult to achieve durable growth.