Figures from fDi Markets showed that Spain, Ireland, Portugal and Greece had fewer projects in the first six months of 2010 compared to that of 2009. While project levels in Spain, Ireland and Portugal are expected to come close to the previous year’s level, Greece looks to post a lower number.

All four of the countries saw their FDI project levels fall in 2009 on the previous year, some by nearly 50%. Investors cited concerns over high debt levels and were nervous about the prospect of a sovereign default.

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Despite the declines, Spain remains the fourth most popular recipient of projects in Europe. The UK topped the charts with 425 investments in the first half of 2010. Since 2003 it has received the most projects in Europe with a total of 4533.

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