Foreign direct investments (FDI) play a significant role in the economic development of Central and Eastern European countries, particularly in transition economies that experienced major economic changes following the collapse of the socialist system in the 1990s. However, not all countries were equally successful in their policies for attracting foreign investments. Initially cautious, these countries began developing strategies for attracting foreign investments by adopting the positive experiences of the most successful transition economies. Creating an optimal investment climate was crucial, particularly in legal and institutional terms, as well as ensuring the country's political and economic stability, low levels of corruption, adequate workforce education, and other critical factors. The benefits of these investments were mutual. In countries where the outcomes were positive, technological advancement occurred, new knowledge and skills were acquired, access to new markets was gained, and competitiveness increased, all of which ultimately led to economic growth and a higher standard of living. Numerous factors influenced the outcomes of these investments, with the investment structure being one of the most significant. Additionally, the level of social and economic development of the country and the government's ability to optimally utilize the investments played crucial roles. After reviewing the theoretical and empirical aspects of this study, it is concluded that the impact of foreign direct investments on economic growth in Central and Eastern European countries is generally positive, though uneven. Regression analysis on the example of Croatia for the time period 1995 - 2021 showed a statistically significant influence of the variable of inflow of foreign direct investments by stock approach and the variable of trade openness on the dependent variable of GDP per capita. To ensure successful future development, these countries should continue to develop policies and strategies aimed at attracting foreign investments.