No Quick Recovery in Sight, with Coronavirus Risks Looming Large

Most of CESEE withstood the first wave of the pandemic better than Western Europe. However, the medium-term outlook is hugely uncertain. After an estimated contraction of 4.5% this year, the region should grow by 3.1% in 2021 and by 3.3% in 2022, with risks clearly on the downside. Aside from the potential for further lockdowns, the pandemic will leave lasting legacies in the form of depressed demand for many services, requiring significant further government support.