FIEC Statistical Report Finds Civil Engineering Remains the Main Growth Driver in the European Construction Market

Each year, FIEC publishes its Statistical Report, providing a unique insight into the health of the construction sector and its essential role in the European economy.

This edition analyses 22 countries individually, as well as the EU as a whole, based on key indicators, including:

• Macroeconomic overview (economic context and public policy affecting construction)
• Gross value added (GVA)
• Investment in construction (total, residential, non-residential, renovation, and civil engineering)
• Employment in construction and its share in total EU employment
• Building permits
• Price trends for key construction materials

A year of decline in investment
Following modest growth in 2022 and 2023, construction investment in the EU contracted by 2.0% in 2024. This downturn was driven primarily by the sharp drop in housebuilding, which fell by 7.7%. A further decline of 3.9% is forecast for 2025, confirming persistent weakness in this segment.

Civil engineering remains the main growth driver
Civil engineering activity increased by 5.9% in 2024, confirming its role as the most resilient component of the construction sector. This growth was supported by public investments and green infrastructure projects. The positive trend is expected to continue in 2025, with an estimated increase of 5.4%.

Non-residential construction: modest but stable
Non-residential construction grew slightly in 2024 (+0.2%) and is expected to remain relatively stable in 2025. However, the EU-wide average masks significant differences across Member States, with some experiencing strong growth and others facing sharp declines.

Residential construction under pressure
Despite growing political attention, the residential market continues to face significant challenges. Rising interest rates, reduced access to credit, and the gradual withdrawal of public incentives have deeply affected new housing construction. The slowdown in renovation activity further raises concerns about the EU’s ability to meet its climate and energy efficiency objectives.

Diverging trends across the EU
While the major economies in Western and Northern Europe – such as France, Germany and Italy – are experiencing stagnation or decline, other countries are seeing a more positive outlook. Greece, Spain, and Romania, in particular, are benefiting from EU recovery funds and major infrastructure plans, with construction activity expected to accelerate further in 2025.

Based on data provided by FIEC Member Federations, the Statistical Report 2025 offers a detailed and up-to-date overview of the sector and remains a key reference for EU and national decision-makers, as well as for stakeholders across the construction value chain.

Click here to read the full report.

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