In the construction sector, seasonally adjusted production decreased by 0.6% in the euro area (EA16) and by 0.4% in the EU27 in October 2009, compared with the previous month. In September, production fell by 0.8% and 0.5% respectively.

Compared with October 2008, output in October 2009 dropped by 7.7% in the euro area and by 6.9% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

Among the Member States for which data are available for October 2009, construction output fell in nine, rose in Slovenia (+3.7%) and Sweden (+0.4%), and remained stable in France. The largest decreases were recorded in Slovakia (-7.3%), Bulgaria and Romania (both -4.4%).

Building construction dropped by 1.0% in the euro area and by 0.7% in the EU27, after -0.7% and -0.6% respectively in September. Civil engineering increased by 0.8% in the euro area and by 1.4% in the EU27, after -2.2% and -0.8% respectively in the previous month.

Annual comparison

Among the Member States for which data are available for October 2009, construction output fell in nine and rose in Poland (+3.3%), the Czech Republic (+1.5%) and Germany (+0.2%). The largest decreases were registered in Slovenia (-28.2%), Bulgaria (-25.1%), Romania (-24.7%) and Slovakia (-21.2%).

Building construction fell by 10.1% in the euro area and by 9.9% in the EU27, after -10.3% in both zones in September. Civil engineering increased by 1.0% in the euro area and by 5.5% in the EU27, after -0.9% and +2.5% respectively in the previous month.