Tuesday, 14 April 2026
Construction activity in Slovakia strengthened in February, with output rising at its fastest pace in months, supported primarily by a surge in domestic building activity.
Data published by the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic shows that total construction output reached close to €570 million during the month, marking an annual increase of 8.2 percent in real terms. On a month-on-month basis, production also expanded by 5.4 percent, indicating improving momentum at the start of the year.
The performance was largely underpinned by domestic activity, which grew by nearly 10 percent compared to February 2025. Within this, new construction played a central role, recording a double-digit increase of more than 11 percent. Repair and maintenance work also contributed, though growth in this segment remained modest.
From a structural perspective, both key segments of the sector recorded gains. Building construction rose by just over 10 percent year-on-year, while civil engineering activity increased by more than 7 percent. Infrastructure-related projects, including road, motorway and rail development, were among the main drivers behind the expansion in engineering works.
In contrast, construction activity outside Slovakia softened slightly. Output generated abroad declined by 1.6 percent year-on-year, continuing a shift seen since the start of 2026. As a result, the share of foreign construction work in total sector output fell to just over 10 percent, down from an average of around 13 percent last year.
The first two months of 2026 confirm a more moderate but still positive trend. Total construction output exceeded €1 billion over the period, representing annual growth of 3.5 percent. Domestic new construction remained the key contributor, offsetting a slight decline in repair and maintenance activity.
Civil engineering has been the strongest-performing segment so far this year, with output rising by close to 11 percent in the January–February period. Building construction, which represents the largest share of the sector, recorded more limited growth of just under 4 percent.
Despite the positive domestic outlook, weaker performance abroad continues to weigh on overall figures. Construction output outside Slovakia fell by around 10 percent in the first two months of the year, reflecting a cooling after strong growth seen through much of 2025.
The February data suggests that Slovakia’s construction sector is entering 2026 with renewed domestic momentum, although the sustainability of growth will depend on continued investment in new projects and the broader economic environment.
