EU construction output falls in January as building activity slumps

Construction production in the European Union declined in January 2026, with seasonally adjusted output falling by 0.9 per cent in the EU and by 0.1 per cent in the euro area, according to Eurostat.

The figures marked a reversal from December 2025, when construction production increased by 1.0 per cent in the EU and 0.7 per cent in the euro area.

On an annual basis, construction output dropped by 2.0 per cent in the EU and 1.9 per cent in the euro area compared with January 2025.

The monthly decline was driven primarily by sharp decreases in building and civil engineering activity.

In the euro area, construction of buildings fell by 3.0 per cent, while civil engineering dropped by 4.4 per cent.

At the same time, specialised construction activities increased by 1.7 per cent, partially offsetting the overall decline.

Across the EU, building construction decreased by 3.8 per cent and civil engineering fell by 4.5 per cent.

Specialised construction activity in the EU recorded a modest increase of 0.4 per cent.

Among member states, the largest monthly declines in construction output were recorded in Poland at 9.0 per cent, Hungary at 8.8 per cent and Slovakia at 5.4 per cent.

By contrast, monthly increases were observed in Germany at 2.9 per cent, the Netherlands at 0.4 per cent and Denmark at 0.2 per cent.

The annual data showed a more pronounced downturn, particularly in building construction.

In the euro area, building activity declined by 8.9 per cent year-on-year, while civil engineering fell by 4.2 per cent.

Specialised construction activities recorded a 1.1 per cent increase over the same period.

Across the EU, building construction dropped by 8.4 per cent, while civil engineering decreased by 4.6 per cent.

Specialised construction activities in the EU rose by 0.7 per cent year-on-year.

At country level, the largest annual declines in construction output were recorded in Poland at 11.0 per cent, Spain at 9.9 per cent and Hungary at 9.5 per cent.

The strongest annual growth was observed in Slovenia at 11.6 per cent, followed by Bulgaria at 4.0 per cent and Denmark at 3.3 per cent.