New Release: FIEC Online Statistical Report 2023 Sheds Light on European Construction Industry
The European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC) has recently released its 66th annual Statistical Report, which provides an in-depth overview of the construction industry within the European Union during 2022. This year was marked by significant challenges for the construction industry, including sustained high energy and raw material costs and the impact of geopolitical events such as Russia'sRussia's war against Ukraine. The latter has severely affected global supply chains and exacerbated global inflationary pressures, with the EU's economy being particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to the conflict and dependence on Russian energy resources.
Key Findings
Main Activities in 2022
- Civil Engineering (18.1%): Comprising roads, railways, bridges, tunnels, concrete structures, special foundations, electrical works, water supply, wastewater treatment, and works on maritime or river sites.
- Non-residential Construction (31.8%): Including offices, hospitals, hotels, schools, and industrial buildings.
- New Housebuilding (20.6%): Encompassing individual dwellings, apartment blocks, social housing, and schemes.
- Renovation (29.7%): Specifically in housing.
Economic Contribution and Employment
The construction industry significantly contributed to the EU economy, accounting for 49.7% of the total gross fixed capital formation and 10.1% of the GDP. Furthermore, it represented 29.6% of industrial employment in the EU27. In terms of employment, the construction industry accounted for 6.4% of total employment. It involved more than 3 million enterprises employing approximately 12 million workers. Notably, 95% of the enterprises in the industry have less than 20 workers. Moreover, the multiplier effect indicates that for every person working in the construction industry, two additional people are employed in other sectors.
Challenges and Future Projections
The construction sector experienced slightly weaker growth than forecasted for 2022. Total investment in construction increased by 2.0%, but employment decreased by 4.0% compared to 2021. The rising prices and supply shortages for energy and certain construction materials have negatively impacted several European contractors. Many are at risk of being unable to fulfil contractual obligations or are refraining from participating in public tenders.
In 2023, investment in construction is expected to decline at a rate of 2.5%. Interestingly, all segments are expected to contract except for civil engineering. This decline in the construction market will also be observed in most EU countries.
Concluding Thoughts
The FIEC Statistical Report 2023 offers valuable insights into the state of the construction industry in the European Union during a period marked by economic and geopolitical challenges. While the industry has demonstrated resilience in some areas, the rising energy and raw materials costs and geopolitical uncertainties present significant hurdles. Moving forward, stakeholders in the construction industry must continue to monitor these developments closely and adapt their strategies to navigate these challenges.
Rüdiger Otto, Chairman of the Economic and Legal Commission, expressed his gratitude to the FIEC Team and Member Federations for their contribution to the report and emphasised the data's importance in understanding the construction industry's developments.
Collaborative Success
The Communication Agency, #Pageinextremis, expresses its profound honour in being the communication partner of FIEC. The statistical report 2023 stands as a testament to the fruitful and effective collaboration between the two organisations. This impactful online publication is the result of an intimate creative dialogue framework that involves the creative unit of the Belgian communication agency, #Pageinextremis, and the inspiring FIEC team led by Domenico Campogrande, Director-General.
#Pageinextremis takes pride in transforming brands into valuable assets and ensuring their alignment with strategic objectives. This successful collaboration with FIEC underscores the agency's commitment to excellence, creativity, and the building of meaningful relationships with its partners. The FIEC statistical report 2023, a significant milestone in this partnership, will continue to inform, guide, and inspire stakeholders in the European construction industry.