Best Countries for Business in CEE: StartupBlink Index
Estonia, Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Georgia highlighted in the new ranking
The global StartupBlink ranking evaluates business conditions in 125 countries. The Innovators Business Environment Index (IBEI) includes more than 30 indicators, such as regulation, access to financing, taxation, digital infrastructure, and international mobility. The results show that Central and Eastern European countries are building a competitive environment and strengthening their position on the global entrepreneurship map.
Real conditions for doing business
The Innovators Business Environment Index focuses on the practical aspects of entrepreneurship. The methodology addresses key questions: how easy it is to open a company, manage it efficiently, and operate within a predictable legal framework.
The assessment is based on analysis of regulation, tax burden, access to capital, level of digital development, and economic openness. This approach makes it possible to determine how comfortable conditions are for launching and scaling a business.
Central and Eastern Europe strengthens its position
Estonia became the regional leader, ranking 10th with a score of 79 out of 100. Bulgaria placed 18th, and Lithuania ranked 22nd. Romania and the Czech Republic took 25th and 30th positions, respectively.
Many other countries in the region also achieved strong results. Hungary ranked 34th, Latvia 35th, and Slovakia 36th. Georgia placed 37th globally with a score of 65.59, entering the group of countries with favorable business conditions. The country outperformed Croatia, Poland, and Slovenia, confirming the competitiveness of its business environment. This result reflects relatively low administrative barriers and accessible conditions for starting a business.
Digital environment and transparent rules
CEE countries demonstrated strong performance in regulation and governance quality. Estonia ranked 17th globally in this category, Georgia 20th, and Lithuania 39th. These results reflect transparent rules, effective public institutions, and relatively low administrative barriers.
High rankings are also linked to advanced digital infrastructure. Estonia ranked 5th globally in this area, Lithuania 17th, and Latvia 19th. Developed online services and high internet speeds simplify business operations and reduce operating costs.
In terms of access to financing, Estonia ranked 20th, the Czech Republic 27th, and Lithuania 29th. These indicators reflect the availability of investment, banking services, and financial instruments.
Small economies compete successfully on the global stage
The United States ranked first, followed by Singapore and the United Kingdom. Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada also entered the top group.
The results show that economic size is not a decisive factor. Estonia entered the global top ten, while Luxembourg and New Zealand also achieved high positions, confirming that favorable business conditions can be created even in smaller economies.
Central and Eastern Europe retains growth potential
Analysts at International Investment note that countries in the region demonstrate stable results due to flexible regulation and developed infrastructure. At the same time, challenges remain related to expanding access to investment and further improving the business environment.
The broad representation of CEE countries in the upper half of the ranking confirms that the region is becoming increasingly attractive for entrepreneurs and innovative companies. Georgia stands out due to its simpler entry and residency procedures, ease of property acquisition, and low taxes.
In addition, Georgia attracts investors with high returns that exceed those in many European countries. For example, investments in the Wyndham Grand Batumi Gonio hotel complex offer guaranteed annual returns of 10%, with potential returns reaching 19% or higher.