Ukraine has entered the top three leaders in Europe by projected economic growth rates with an average of about 3.8% per year, according to the updated International Monetary Fund study World Economic Outlook.
Listed first in the ranking is Malta with expected rates of almost 4% per year, and after a period of rapid rise fueled by tourism, online gaming and financial services, the IMF emphasizes the need to shift to productivity-driven growth.
Kosovo ranks second with approximately 4% average annual growth, where dynamics are driven by remittances from migrant workers, active public investment and a significant share of young workers in the labor market.
Ukraine is placed third with a forecast of 3.8% per year, and peak rates are expected in 2028 — about 4.2%. The baseline scenario assumes post-war recovery and large-scale investments, the need for which, according to the World Bank, could reach $600 billion, whereas under a prolonged-war scenario growth could be limited to approximately 1%.
Fourth is Serbia with about 3.52% per year, where additional boosts come from preparations for Expo 2027, the implementation of large infrastructure projects and capital inflows into industry.
Fifth place is occupied by Moldova with rates at 3.5% per year, driven by progress on reforms, support from the EU and stable remittances from abroad.
For comparison: the eurozone, according to the IMF, will add about 1.2% on average annually, the world economy — about 3.2%, and developing countries in Asia — approximately 4.6%.
Previously we wrote:
- Government’s 15-year strategy: 6% GDP growth, investments 24–30% and the return of 3.1 million Ukrainians
- IMF approved a 4-year financing program for Ukraine worth $8.1 billion
- No peace without choice: Zelensky unveiled 20 points of a plan including a referendum
- Ukraine has overtaken Russia: the economy adapted to the war
- “The end is not near”: IMF extended the war forecast until the end of 2025
