European Construction Sector Observatory
Get valuable insights into the latest developments in the European construction industry
The European Commission, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW)and the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (EASME) have set-up the European Construction Sector Observatory (ECSO) to help the EU Member States to confront the economic and social challenges that impact the construction industry.
The construction industry is very important to the EU economy. The sector provides 18 million direct jobs and contributes about 9% of the EU's GDP. It also creates new jobs, drives economic growth, and provides solutions for social, climate and energy challenges. The goal of the European Commission is to help the sector to become more competitive, resource efficient and sustainable.
The European Construction Sector Observatory (ECSO) is a three-year action (2015-2017) that is working to inform European policymakers and stakeholders with regular analysis and comparative assessments on the market conditions and policy developments in the construction sector in EU-28.
The objectives of ECSO are to:
- Monitor market conditions and trends, and national/regional strategies in relation to the five thematic priorities of Construction 2020;
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and awareness on policy measures and initiatives that impact the construction value chain.
ECSO is profiling the construction industry in each EU-28 Member State by producing 28 detailed reports (Country Fact Sheets - CFS). Each CFS provides an analysis of most up-to-date key figures, macro-economic indicators, economic drivers, issues and barriers, innovation, the national/regional policy and regulatory framework, as well as also tracking the current status and national strategy to meet Construction 2020 priorities:
- Stimulating favourable investment conditions
- Improving the human-capital basis of the construction sector
- Improving resource efficiency, environmental performance and business opportunities
- Strengthening the Internal Market for Construction
- Fostering the global competitive position of EU construction enterprises
ECSO is also identifying and analysing specific policy measures (Policy Measure Fact Sheets - PFS) that are being implemented in each member state to stimulate construction sector employment, growth and opportunities, and to help overcome societal challenges.
The ECSO website will also feature analytical reports that provide an assessment of the socio-economic and environmental performance of the construction sector, as well as recommendations on potential strategies to increase the competitiveness of the industry and its enterprises.
Visit the ECSO website (http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/construction/observatory/index_en.htm) and get valuable insights into the latest developments in the European construction industry.
What information is already available?
The website gives you access to a wide range of industry data and analysis, including evidence on how Member States are performing in relation to the five thematic objectives of the Construction 2020 Strategy, as well as insights on national policy developments, trends and experiences.
Country and Policy Fact Sheets on 20 European Member States are currently available to view and download. Fact Sheets on the other Member States will be made available throughout early 2017. The Country Fact Sheets on all EU-28 will be regularly updated and additional Policy Fact Sheets on all Member States will be published through to the end of 2017.
The first Analytical Report focusing on "Stimulating favourable investment conditions", a thematic priority, is now available. A revised report is planned for 2017 and will be completed with information on all Member States.
Later in 2017, you will also be able to access and download a database of policy measures that are being implemented in Member States to stimulate construction sector employment, growth and opportunities.