# Balkan economic growth and GDP projections

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-economic-growth-and-gdp-projections
> Updated: 2026-10-16T10:24:28.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

In October 2026, economic reports highlighted significant growth trends in the Balkan region. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković reported that the nation’s GDP is projected to exceed 100 billion euros, with growth expected to reach approximately 2.3 percent by 2026. He noted milestones including a rise in average net salaries and an increase in the number of employed persons.

Simultaneously, International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections indicated that Serbia is expected to surpass Croatia in economic size by 2029. While Croatia’s economy was expected to be larger in 2026 and 2027, the gap between the two nations is predicted to narrow, with Serbia’s nominal GDP forecasted to overtake Croatia’s by 2029.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: Serbia projected to surpass Croatia in GDP by 2029

IMF projections suggest Serbia will overtake Croatia as the largest economy in the former Yugoslavia by 2029, a delay from the previously anticipated 2027 crossover.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-projected-to-surpass-croatia-in-gdp-by-2029

### 2026-10-13: Croatia GDP projected to exceed 100 billion euros

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković reported significant economic growth for Croatia, including a projected GDP exceeding 100 billion euros and improved credit ratings over his decade in office.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatias-gdp-exceeds-100-billion-euros-plenkovi-reports

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Cite as: Balkan economic growth and GDP projections. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-economic-growth-and-gdp-projections