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Robust Eurozone Construction Activity: Trends And Regional Highlights In 2025

Overview Of Eurostat Findings

New data from Eurostat reveals that seasonally adjusted construction production in the eurozone rose by 0.9% in December 2025, while production across the European Union increased by 1.2% compared with the previous month. After a 1.5% decline in November 2025, these gains signal a recovery in the construction sector, even though yearly figures remain mixed.

Monthly Performance And Sector Breakdowns

In December 2025, construction of buildings in the euro area rose by 0.9%, civil engineering increased by 2.3%, and specialized construction activities grew by 0.6%. Across the EU, output rose by 1.2% in building construction, 3.9% in civil engineering, and 0.9% in specialized activities. Yearly, however, production in the euro area declined by 0.9% compared with December 2024, while the EU overall remained stable.

Annual Trends And Regional Variations

On an annual basis, building construction in the euro area declined by 3.3%, while civil engineering and specialized construction activities increased by 1.6% and 0.2%, respectively. Across the EU, building construction fell by 0.7%, while civil engineering and specialized activities rose by 0.9% and 1.1%. Among reporting member states, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia recorded the largest monthly gains, while Austria, Slovenia, and Bulgaria posted the steepest monthly declines.

Detailed Sector Insights

Delving deeper into sector performance, notable annual decreases were evident in Austria (12.3%), Belgium (4.3%), and Spain (3.9%), while Slovakia, Slovenia, and Finland enjoyed annual gains of 11.6%, 10.2%, and 6.6%. Such variances underscore the dynamic and uneven recovery across the continent.

Cyprus Construction And Property Market Momentum

Cyprus was not included in the Eurostat release, but local indicators point to continued activity in construction and real estate. Data from the Cyprus Statistical Service show that the Price Index of Construction Materials reached 118.89 units in January 2026 (base year 2021), with monthly and annual increases of 0.12% and 1.09%. Minerals and electromechanical products recorded the largest annual gains, while metallic products declined slightly.

Surge In New Residential Developments

Market analysis by Landbank Analytics shows that transactions involving newly built residential properties in Cyprus exceeded €2.5 billion in 2025. A total of 7,819 contracts were filed, with apartments accounting for the majority of sales. The year also included high-value transactions, including a Limassol apartment sale valued at approximately €15.2 million.

Robust Building Permits And Future Projections

Cyprus Statistical Service data indicate that building permits issued in October 2025 reached 855, with a total value of €447.6 million and capacity for 1,950 dwelling units. During the first ten months of the year, permits increased by 9%, supported by higher project values and expanded covered areas. Residential construction continued to grow, while non-residential projects declined in both volume and value.

Overall, while the eurozone displays signs of recovery in construction activity, the sector remains heterogeneous across regions. Combined with strong domestic performance in Cyprus, these trends suggest a cautious yet optimistic outlook for construction markets throughout Europe.

EU Trade Surplus Rebounds As Export Sectors Drive Growth In Q4 2025

Robust Recovery In European Trade

The European Union recorded a trade surplus of €28.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, with exports to non-EU countries continuing to exceed imports. According to Eurostat data, the result extends the recovery trend that began in the third quarter of 2023.

Key Export Sectors Fueling Growth

Chemicals and related products generated the largest surplus at €49.3 billion. Machinery and vehicles followed with a surplus of €42.3 billion, while food, drinks and tobacco added €10.8 billion. Miscellaneous goods contributed €7.1 billion, reflecting broad-based export strength across multiple sectors.

Addressing Persistent Challenges

The energy sector remained the main drag on the trade balance, posting a deficit of €62.7 billion. Other manufactured goods and raw materials also recorded deficits of €11.0 billion and €7.5 billion respectively, highlighting continued structural pressures in import-dependent categories.

Cooling Global Trade Dynamics

Data from the fourth quarter of 2025 also revealed a contraction in global trade activity. Total imports decreased by 1.4% while exports dropped by 0.8% compared to the previous quarter. These declines, marking three consecutive quarters of reduction for both categories, signal a potential cooling in global trade volumes that European businesses will need to navigate carefully moving forward.

Looking Ahead

The latest figures reveal both the strengths and vulnerabilities of current European trade dynamics. As the EU continues to leverage its competitive export sectors amidst challenging external pressures, policymakers and industry leaders alike must remain vigilant to maintain this upward trend while addressing persistent deficits in energy and certain manufactured categories.

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