Construction production saw a notable recovery across the EU in October 2025, with a rise of 0.8 per cent in the bloc and 0.9 per cent in the euro area compared to September. This shift follows a contraction in September, when production in construction fell by 0.6 per cent in the euro area and 0.1 per cent in the EU, according to Eurostat.
- The broader EU also mirrored this trend, with a 0.9 per cent decline in building production, while civil engineering grew by 3.1 per cent and specialised activities saw a 2.0 per cent increase.
Monthly Performance Highlights
October’s figures indicate a rebound in the construction sector, showing signs of resilience after the previous month’s declines. When compared to the same month in the previous year, production increased by 0.5 per cent in the euro area and 1.3 per cent across the EU.
Sector Breakdown
Analysing the performance by sector within the euro area reveals varied results. Construction of buildings saw a modest increase of 0.3 per cent, while civil engineering experienced a more robust growth of 1.7 per cent. Specialised construction activities also climbed by 0.8 per cent compared to September 2025.
In the broader EU context, production figures showed similar positive trends: a 0.7 per cent increase for buildings, a 1.4 per cent rise in civil engineering, and a 0.7 per cent growth in specialised construction activities.
Country-Specific Insights
Among EU Member States, Slovenia led the pack with an impressive monthly increase in construction production of 6.0 per cent. Germany and Portugal also reported strong gains at 3.3 per cent and 3.1 per cent, respectively. These figures indicate significant regional variations in construction activities.
Declines in Some Member States
Conversely, Slovakia noted the largest decrease in production, with a drop of 3.7 per cent. This was followed by Hungary at 2.0 per cent and Romania at 1.9 per cent. Such disparities highlight the differing economic conditions and construction demands across the EU.
Annual Trends in Construction Production
Looking at the annual figures, the euro area experienced a decrease of 2.6 per cent in the production of buildings when comparing October 2025 to October 2024. However, this was counterbalanced by a 3.3 per cent increase in civil engineering and a 1.7 per cent rise in specialised construction activities.
The broader EU also mirrored this trend, with a 0.9 per cent decline in building production, while civil engineering grew by 3.1 per cent and specialised activities saw a 2.0 per cent increase.
Top Performers Annually
Among Member States, Slovenia reported the most significant annual increase at an astonishing 36.0 per cent. Romania and Hungary followed with annual increases of 13.9 per cent and 9.7 per cent, respectively, showcasing strong growth in these countries’ construction sectors.
Challenges Faced by Certain Countries
On the other side of the spectrum, Spain faced a notable annual decrease of 3.6 per cent in construction production. Other countries with significant declines included Austria at 2.0 per cent, France at 1.3 per cent, and Belgium at 0.5 per cent. These figures reflect the ongoing challenges faced by some nations in the construction sector.
Looking Ahead
The recent recovery in construction production across the EU is encouraging, suggesting that the sector may be regaining momentum following the previous month’s setbacks. However, the varied performance among member states and sectors indicates a complex landscape ahead. Policymakers and industry stakeholders will need to focus on fostering growth while addressing the areas experiencing declines.
