Poland is the investment stronghold of Central Europe. USD 12 billion despite global declines

In 2026, a further global increase in the importance of investors from the Asia-Pacific and Persian Gulf regions is expected – the Polish Economic Institute (PIE) said in a report. He added that this year, resilient and innovative economies will attract the most foreign direct investment.

The Institute, citing an FDI Intelligence survey conducted among 101 experts and industry leaders, emphasized that 2026 is to be a “transition year” for foreign direct investments (FDI) – between the current globalization model and the new system of competitiveness and risk factors.

The survey shows that respondents are moderately optimistic and aware of new risks. The most important of them are geopolitical tensions, which lead to reshuffles in global supply chains and strengthen the trend of friend-shoring. Respondents also pointed to economic and financial factors related to US customs policy and potential disruptions in financial markets, especially in the context of the AI ​​revolution.

“A further increase in the importance of investors from the Asia-Pacific and Persian Gulf regions is expected. This is a continuation of the trend observed last year, when investments from these areas accounted for 36.4% and 12.1% of global FDI inflows, respectively. At the same time, a decline in the activity of investors from Europe and North America is expected. The regions that may become more attractive include Eastern Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East,” PIE reported.

The report also shows that the key determinant of FDI inflow is the economy's resistance to political and geopolitical shocks. PIE pointed out that competitiveness will be based less and less on protectionism, tax incentives or low costs, and more and more on innovation, especially in the area of ​​AI technology.

Respondents also anticipate an increase in the importance of strategic investments related to digital transformation, critical raw materials and semiconductors, as well as investments in the defense and aerospace sectors in connection with ongoing armed conflicts.

“In 2026, Poland will certainly maintain its leading position in Central Europe, although the inflow of greenfield investments is gradually slowing down, in line with broader global trends. Last year, 302 projects worth a total of USD 11.9 billion were announced, under which 42.5 thousand jobs were declared. The largest projects were implemented by two American companies – Ascend Elements, Battery Resources (USD 1.3 billion) and Microsoft (USD 704 million). dollars), as well as the German Mercedes-Benz (USD 424 million),” emphasized PIE.

He added that in terms of the number of projects, one sixth of the investments were in the IT sector, while the most capital flowed into the renewable energy industry ($2.8 billion).

Data presented by PIE show that the value of greenfield projects announced in Poland in 2025 amounted to USD 11.2 billion, of which the largest such investment was worth USD 1.3 billion. Last year, Poland's share in global greenfield investments was 1.7%.

The Polish Economic Institute is a public economic think tank; prepares reports, analyzes and recommendations regarding key areas of the economy and social life. (PAP)

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