In the construction sector, seasonally adjusted production increased by 0.2% in the euro area (EA15) and by 0.3% in the EU27 in May 2008, compared to the previous month. In April, production decreased by 0.6% and 0.5% respectively.

Compared with May 2007, output in May 2008 dropped by 1.1% in the euro area, but gained 0.7% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

Among the Member States for which data are available for May 2008, construction output rose in seven and fell in six. The most significant increases were registered in the United Kingdom (+3.4%), Spain and Romania (both +2.9%). The largest decreases were recorded in Portugal (-9.0%), Slovakia (-5.1%) and the Netherlands (-1.9%).

Building construction remained stable in the euro area and increased by 0.2% in the EU27, after +0.1% and 0.0% respectively in April. Civil engineering gained 1.5% in the euro area and 2.5% in the EU27, after -3.4% and -3.7% respectively in the previous month.

Annual comparison

Among the Member States for which data are available for May 2008, construction output rose in eight and fell in five. The highest increases were recorded in Romania (+31.5%), Bulgaria and Poland (both +16.3%). The largest decreases were registered in Spain (-10.8%), Portugal (-6.8%) and the Czech Republic (-2.1%).

Building construction decreased by 1.3% in the euro area but increased by 0.7% in the EU27, after -1.0% and +0.7% respectively in April. Civil engineering fell by 0.9% in the euro area but gained 2.1% in the EU27, after -4.6% and -3.9% respectively in the previous month.