In the construction sector, seasonally adjusted production fell by 1.8% in the euro area (EA16) and by 1.6% in the EU27 in February 2009, compared with the previous month. In January, production rose by 1.6% and 1.7% respectively.

Compared with February 2008, output in February 2009 dropped by 11.8% in the euro area and by 11.2% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

Among the Member States for which data are available for February 2009, construction output rose in six and fell in five. The most significant increases were registered in Bulgaria (+2.0%), Germany (+1.9%) and Slovenia (+1.1%). The largest decreases were recorded in Romania (-8.6%), Spain (-5.3%) and Czech Republic (-2.0%).

Building construction decreased by 1.5% in the euro area and by 1.6% in the EU27, after +0.2% and +1.7% respectively in January. Civil engineering decreased by 3.6% in the euro area and by 2.8% in the EU27, after +5.4% and +2.7% respectively in the previous month.

Annual comparison

Among the Member States for which data are available for February 2009, construction output fell in nine and rose only in Poland (+2.2%) and Sweden (+2.1%). The largest decreases were registered in Slovenia (-25.0%), Germany (-20.9%) and Spain (-15.4%).

Building construction decreased by 13.1% in the euro area and by 12.2% in the EU27, after -11.7% and -9.5% respectively in January. Civil engineering fell by 9.5% in the euro area and by 8.2% in the EU27, after -0.4% and -1.0% respectively in the previous month.