Inflation has been a defining challenge for Eastern European economies. After years of disinflation following EU accession, the 2022 energy crisis sent CPI growth soaring across the region. This comparison reveals how similarly structured economies experienced very different price pressures — and how quickly (or slowly) they returned to target.
Key Data Points
Romania, Czechia, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria -- GDP per capita ($), GDP growth (%), CPI change (%), Unemployment (%)
Romania
$22,436.01
Czechia
$35,161.48
Poland
$28,484.67
Hungary
$25,916.33
Bulgaria
$20,425.72
Romania
1 % annual
Czechia
2.3 % annual
Poland
3.2 % annual
Hungary
0.6 % annual
Bulgaria
3 % annual
Romania
7.3 % annual
Czechia
2.5 % annual
Poland
3.8 % annual
Hungary
4.5 % annual
Bulgaria
3.6 % annual
Romania
5.9%
Czechia
2.5%
Poland
2.9%
Hungary
4.3%
Bulgaria
3.5%