Office of the Chief Economist, Europe and Central Asia

Industrial Policy

The resilience of the countries of Europe and Central Asia is tested again by the conflict in the Middle East and rising energy import prices. The increased attention to industrial policies has occurred as productivity ...

Jobs and Prosperity

The region is facing a serious jobs challenge. Investing in infrastructure, improving the business environment and mobilizing private capital will be critical to jumpstarting productivity, creating jobs, and building a ...

Accelerating Growth through Entrepreneurship, Technology Adoption, and ...

To boost competitiveness and create jobs, the region should improve business dynamism and foster its private sector by facilitating firm-level innovation, technology adoption, and better domestic competition.

Building Resilience and Climate Adaptation in Europe and Central Asia

As climate hazards intensify across the region, this report examines how countries in Europe and Central Asia can adapt and build resilience.

Institutions and EU Accession: How Countries Prosper Even Before Entry

The prospect of EU membership is a powerful driver of governance reform. Analysis across three enlargement rounds shows that many of the most significant institutional gains occur even before countries formally join the ...

An Economic Agenda to Accelerate Convergence of the Western Balkans with the ...

The EU's renewed enlargement momentum offers the Western Balkans a critical opportunity to accelerate economic convergence. Analysis shows that matching New Member States in institutional strength, investment, trade, and ...

TIDES of Change

Europe and Central Asia must seize the opportunity for more productivity-driven growth. By advancing Trade, Investment, Digitalization, Efficiency, and Skills, the region can transform its growth trajectory.

Greater Heights

This report proposes policy options to assist middle-income countries in Europe and Central Asia in the effort to reach high-income status by adopting a "3i strategy" - Investment, Infusion, and Innovation.

The Journey Ahead

This report provides an analysis of international migration in Europe and Central Asia and the implications for policy making. It aims to inform evidence based debate on the costs and benefits of cross-border mobility.