Recent EU policy decisions and budget proposals, directing billions of euros towards Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), signal Brussels’ commitment to accelerating the region’s development. CEE’s resilience through crises, together with skilled labour and strong foreign direct investment in innovation and infrastructure, are supporting rising GDP. The region continues to outpace Western Europe, forecasts put CEE growth at 2.5-4.0% in 2025, compared to 1-2% in the wider Eurozone. Eastern member states are considered central to EU security and resilience, serving as the eastern flank and supporting energy, infrastructure and supply chain stability.

However, the path to long-term performance and sustained economic gains is complex, especially amid trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty. High inflation, rising borrowing costs and demographic pressures threaten progress. There are ongoing concerns around security, investment risk and regulatory hurdles. Crucially, each CEE nation has unique challenges and priorities in realising development goals. 

This webinar hosted by the Financial Times in partnership with PPF, will gather policymakers and investors to explore the strategic importance of CEE for Europe’s economic and security future. The discussion will examine how the region can balance opportunity with risk, and the role it will play in building resilience and shaping the EU’s next phase of integration and growth.

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