News & Opinions
Investors are increasingly shying away from Eastern Europe - 16 Jun 2026
New greenfield investments announced at their lowest level for six years; investment boom in Romania; Ukraine is struggling, but has great potential; German and Austrian investors cautious; China remains largest new investor in the region read more
It will be important to upgrade the quality of FDI inflows to Central, East and Southeast Europe - 12 Jun 2026
As FDI inflows continue to decline, the focus is shifting from quantity to quality. Attracting investment that promotes technology transfer, skills development, innovation and integration into higher value chains will be important for sustaining long-term growth read more
From crisis spillover to energy resilience: CESEE’s hydrocarbon vulnerabilities and policy pathways - 27 May 2026
CESEE’s dependence on fossil fuel imports leaves it exposed to external shocks. Despite progress on diversification, resilience remains uneven - making energy efficiency, regional integration and supply diversification critical to strategic autonomy read more
Economist specialised in the Western Balkans wanted - 26 May 2026
Join wiiw as an Economist focused applied macroeconomic research on the Western Balkans. read more
wiiw is hiring an Economist specialised in the Visegrád economies - 26 May 2026
Apply for a research position focused on macroeconomics, policy analysis and Central Europe. read more
Energiepreisschock und Handelskonflikte bremsen Österreichs Außenwirtschaft - 20 May 2026
Österreichs Warenexporte schrumpften 2025 um 1,1%, die Importe stiegen um 4,8%, woraus sich ein Handelsbilanzdefizit von 6,6 Mrd. € ergab. Für 2026 und 2027 erwartet das FIW ein Exportwachstum von 1,5% bzw. 2,2% bei gleichzeitig hohen geopolitischen Risiken. read more
wiiw is hiring an Economist specialised in Industrial policy/Innovation/Structural change - 18 May 2026
The candidate should have a Master’s degree in economics and a pronounced interest in empirical and policy-relevant research read more
Spring forecast: Eastern Europe weathering the Iran shock for now - 29 Apr 2026
A protracted war in the Middle East would lead to a sharp decline in growth; ‘extended workbench’ model no longer CEE’s growth engine; gloomy outlook for Ukraine; Russia in stagnation, despite windfall profits from Iran war; Hungary’s recovery will take time read more
Osteuropa wichtigste Stütze für Österreichs Exportwachstum - 29 Apr 2026
Obwohl der Iran-Krieg die Wachstumsaussichten Mittel-, Ost- und Südosteuropas dämpft, kann Österreich weiterhin optimistisch auf die dortige Wirtschaftsentwicklung blicken read more
New study: EU tobacco tax reform could boost revenues and cut smoking - 20 Apr 2026
Our new study on EU tobacco tax reform was presented at the European Parliament, highlighting its potential to increase fiscal revenues and improve public health read more