Serbia one of Europe's top performers in terms of real GDP growth - council

BELGRADE - Serbian PM Djuro Macut chaired on Thursday a session of a council coordinating activities and measures aimed at GDP growth, at which Serbia's Q1 2026 economic performance was reviewed.

"It was noted at the session that GDP expanded by 3 pct in Q1 2026, placing Serbia among the top performers in Europe in terms of real GDP growth in this period," a government statement said.

"Growth was registered in industrial production, manufacturing, tourism, retail trade and foreign trade, whereas a contraction was recorded in construction," it said.

Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Aleksandra Sofronijevic said she expected that "results in the next quarter will be far more positive, particularly in terms of transport infrastructure."

"It was noted at the session that Serbia recorded inflation of 3.1 pct in Q1, close to the level seen in Europe, while registering one of the lowest public debt levels in Europe."

The council members analysed the situation in economic sectors directly affecting GDP growth, as well as the results of visits by Macut and the relevant ministers to companies that are the most significant contributors to GDP.

"Macut announced that these visits will continue, given that the state’s goal, as he noted, is to ensure ongoing communication with and support for companies," the statement said.

The session was also attended by Deputy PM and Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarovic, ministers Jagoda Lazarevic, Sara Pavkov and Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic, as well as by representatives of other ministries and relevant institutions.