EC: Serbia's economic growth to accelerate to 4.2 pct in 2025 and 4.3 pct in 2026

BRUSSELS - Serbia's strong economic growth is projected to maintain its momentum in the coming years and accelerate from 3.9 pct in 2024 to 4.2 pct in 2025 and 4.3 pct in 2026, driven by domestic demand and foreign investment, according to the European Commission's Autumn 2024 European Economic Forecast, released on Friday.

"A robust labour market and further rises in real incomes are expected to continue driving private consumption, while strong foreign direct investment inflows and public investments support investment growth.

However, this trend contributes to an increase in imports, surpassing exports. The general government deficit is forecast to stay at around 3 pct in 2024-2026, with public debt projected to edge down to around 48 pct of GDP by 2026," the report says.

"After reaching 3.8 pct in 2023, GDP growth remained robust in Q1 and Q2 2024,...