Romania\u2019s construction sector accounted for almost 8% of GDP over the past four quarters, the highest share across the entire European Union, according to Eurostat data analysed by investment company Colliers.\u00a0This level is well above the EU-27 average of 5%.<\/p>\n
Moreover, Romania recorded the second-fastest post-pandemic growth in construction activity within the European Union, according to Colliers consultants, who note that this trend reflects the accelerated pace of transformation in the sector.\u00a0<\/p>\n
However, Colliers points out that the recent volatility in the construction sector is not a good sign, as it points to some underlying problems that may impact the companies\u2019 results and their long-term viability.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the first eight months of 2025, the volume of construction works in Romania was around 58% higher than in the same period of 2019, a growth that has increased the sector\u2019s share of GDP from below 6% to nearly 8%. This is the highest share in the European Union, driven largely by infrastructure investments, as well as private projects in the residential and commercial segments,\u201d says Alexandru Atanasiu, Board Member & Head of Construction Services at Colliers.<\/p>\n
In the first eight months of this year, the volume of engineering work, which mainly includes infrastructure projects but also major investments such as hospitals or stadiums, increased by around 12% compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, residential building work advanced by 10%, and non-residential buildings, such as offices and retail spaces, recorded a 6% increase.<\/p>\n
While the construction sector remains one of the main engines of the economy, challenges persist, Colliers experts point out, as economic uncertainty and fiscal pressures are increasingly felt both in the residential segment, where developers are cautious about a potential slowdown in demand, and in infrastructure projects, where delays in financing and difficulties in absorbing EU funds are slowing progress.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Against this backdrop, the government\u2019s target announced at the beginning of the year to open between 200 and 300 kilometres of new motorways now seems increasingly difficult to achieve. In an optimistic scenario, Colliers consultants estimate that Romania could complete around 100 kilometres by the end of the year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact that last year\u2019s motorway openings were, proportionally, on par with China\u2019s construction pace, while this year we\u2019re seeing a significant slowdown again, is an alarming signal for the industry. The state must take into account that it took several years for the sector to accelerate, build teams, and develop the necessary capacity for large-scale projects,\u201d warns Silviu Pop, Director CEE & Romania Research at Colliers.\u00a0<\/p>\n