In December 2008 output generated in the construction industry fell by 2.2% and 1.7% in the Eurozone and EU27 respectively as compared to November. In November the respective figures had been -1.7% and -1.1% on October. In comparison with December 2007, output fell by 10.1% (Eurozone) and by 6.7% (EU27) in December 2008.
The average output for the entire year 2008 was down by 2.7% in the Eurozone and by 1.2% in the EU27. These figures are estimates by the European Statistical Office (Eurostat).
Monthly changes
Taking into account those EU member states which have already made data available, output in the construction industry in 2008 increased in five member states and fell in seven. The biggest increases were registered in Poland (+2.0%), the Netherlands and Romania (+1.5% each), the biggest drops in Slovenia (-9.6%), Spain (-6.9%) and Bulgaria (-3.3%).
In structural engineering, output fell by 1.8% and 2.1% in the Eurozone and EU27 respectively. For civil engineering the respective figures were -2.7% and -0.6%.
Annual changes
Output increased in five member states and fell in seven. Major increases were registered in Romania (+16.1%), Slovakia (+10.3%) and Poland (+5.0%). The biggest drops in Spain (-23.7%), Sweden (-19.6%) and Portugal (-6.2%).
Output in structural engineering decreased by 10.3% in the Eurozone and by 7.7% in the EU27. For civil engineering the respective changes were -10.6% and -1.3% in the year 2008. 