The construction sector is a fundamental part of the economy and society of the European Union (EU). Additionally, the sector is a major source of employment in Europe. It generates around 10% of the EU GDP in any given year and provides around 15 million direct jobs, i.e. around 7% of total employment in the EU-27.
The construction sector is also at the heart of our daily lives (single-family homes, condominiums, commercial and public buildings, infrastructure). European citizens spend a large part of their time indoor, which is why it is important to have buildings and infrastructure that are rightly constructed, maintained and renovated, while meeting health, safety and well-being standards.
None of this would be possible without the craft trades, micro companies and SMEs in the construction sector, which make up 99.9% of the sector in Europe according to the EU. Micro construction companies even represent about 95% of the companies in the sector, according to the European Commission. The importance and quality of their work is essential to the European Union’s economic, social, environmental and energy ambitions.
To know more about performance and trends of the construction sector, please consult:
EUROCONSTRUCT is a European research network offering construction market analyses and forecasts. It provides decision-makers with insights to plan effectively, supporting the competitiveness and sustainability of the construction sector across Europe.
The ECSO is initiative of the European Commission monitoring the construction sector in EU Member States. By analysing trends and policy developments, ECSO keeps policymakers and industry stakeholders informed, to support competitiveness in the European construction industry.
CEDEFOP, the European Commission’s agency, enhances education and training through policymaking. It includes the Skills Panorama initiative, which transforms labour market data into insights. A dedicated section addresses the construction sector, helping decision-makers anticipate skill needs and align training with industry demands.
EUROFOUND, the European Commission’s agency, supports better social, employment, and work-related policies through research. It promotes social dialogue and conducts representativeness studies, including a mapping of key employer organisations and trade unions in the construction sector at EU and national levels to aid policy development.
The ELA is the European Commission agency that develops studies and reports on labour mobility and social security coordination. It provides sector-specific analyses, including for construction, addressing issues like labour and skills shortages and cross-border inspections to support informed policymaking and sectoral improvements.
EUROSTAT, the EU’s statistical office, delivers high-quality statistics for Europe. It includes a dedicated section on annual construction sector statistics, offering insights into trends and developments to support decision-making and sector analysis.