EU construction sector expects modest 2026 investment rise, Romania flags funding gap

The European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC) forecasts that construction investment in the EU will grow by 2.7% in 2026, ending the 2.5% and 2.1% declines recorded in 2024 and 2025. The rebound is expected to be led by infrastructure projects in transport, energy and water management, supported by European and national financing programmes. Growth in residential construction and non‑residential buildings is also projected, though the sector remains vulnerable to credit access, energy and material costs, labour shortages and administrative delays.

In Romania, industry leader Cristian Erbașu cautions that the statistical improvement masks underlying strain. He says the current expansion relies almost entirely on large PNRR‑funded infrastructure works, while many small and medium firms face a shortage of contracts and financing. Over‑crowded tenders, delayed projects and the looming 31 August 2026 deadline for PNRR completion could leave numerous companies without work, risking job losses and a migration of skilled workers abroad.