Euro area construction output slips in February

Construction output in the euro area and the European Union showed mixed monthly trends but remained weaker on an annual basis in February 2026, according to Eurostat.

On a month-on-month basis, seasonally adjusted production in construction decreased by 0.2 per cent in the euro area, while it increased by 0.1 per cent in the EU, following sharper declines recorded in January 2026 when output fell by 1.3 per cent in the euro area and by 2.1 per cent in the EU.

On a year-on-year comparison, construction production in February 2026 was also weaker, falling by 1.9 per cent in the euro area and by 2.0 per cent in the EU compared with February 2025.

Breaking down the monthly figures by sector, construction of buildings in the euro area rose by 0.2 per cent, while civil engineering also increased by 0.2 per cent, although specialised construction activities declined by 0.3 per cent.

In the EU as a whole, building construction rose more strongly by 0.7 per cent, while civil engineering increased by 0.5 per cent, but specialised construction activities fell by 0.2 per cent.

Among member states with available data, the largest monthly declines in construction output were recorded in Poland at -3.7 per cent, followed by Belgium and France at -1.4 per cent each, and Germany at -1.2 per cent.

At the same time, some countries posted strong gains, with Romania recording the highest increase at +8.7 per cent, followed by Slovenia at +5.5 per cent and Slovakia at +5.4 per cent.

Looking at the annual breakdown, construction of buildings in the euro area dropped significantly by 8.1 per cent, while civil engineering declined by 1.9 per cent and specialised construction activities edged down by 0.1 per cent.

In the EU, the yearly comparison showed a similar pattern, with building construction falling by 7.2 per cent, civil engineering declining by 2.7 per cent, and specialised construction activities decreasing by 0.5 per cent.

Among member states with available annual data, the largest declines were recorded in Poland at -13.7 per cent, followed by Spain at -10.2 per cent and France at -3.5 per cent, while the strongest growth was observed in Slovenia at +24.1 per cent, Romania at +15.6 per cent and Slovakia at +8.2 per cent.