CTPark Amsterdam City welcomes Heineken in push for emission-free logistics

CTP has officially welcomed Heineken as a tenant at its state-of-the-art CTPark Amsterdam City. The innovative, multi-layered city logistics hub will enable Heineken to deliver products, including beers and groceries, to businesses and hospitality venues across Amsterdam entirely emission-free. This milestone marks a significant step in Amsterdam’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable urban logistics.

Strategically positioned in the Port of Amsterdam, one of Europe’s busiest cargo hubs, and just 15 minutes by water from the city center, CTPark Amsterdam City boasts an ideal location. Its proximity to the A10 ring motorway ensures efficient access to one of Europe’s most densely populated urban areas. Designed to set a new standard in sustainability, the hub offers over 120,000 square meters of flexible logistics space tailored to the needs of businesses aiming to meet Amsterdam’s impending Zero Emission Zone regulations by 2025.

The facility represents a forward-thinking solution to urban distribution challenges, enabling lower emissions, reduced traffic congestion, and cleaner air in Amsterdam. By integrating modern technology with sustainable practices, the hub supports companies preparing for an emission-free future.

During the welcoming ceremony, Hester van Buuren, Alderman of the Municipality of Amsterdam, highlighted the importance of collaborations like these in achieving a greener city. “We are proud that a partner as significant as Heineken is making this commitment. It demonstrates how innovation and cooperation are essential in creating an emission-free city center.”

CTP Netherlands Director Heiko Koop praised the partnership, stating: “It is an honor to welcome an iconic company like Heineken to CTPark Amsterdam City. This hub was developed to optimize city logistics while contributing to a sustainable future. This collaboration demonstrates that sustainability is both necessary and achievable. With growing interest from other businesses, this hub is set to become a model for urban logistics solutions across cities.”

CTPark Amsterdam City’s innovative approach underscores the growing importance of sustainable infrastructure in addressing the logistics challenges of modern urban areas. With Heineken leading the charge, the hub is poised to set a precedent for emission-free city logistics across Europe.

Deka Immobilien expands portfolio with Brussels office acquisition

Deka Immobilien has announced the acquisition of an office property in Brussels for its open-ended real estate fund, Deka-ImmobilienMetropolen. The property, sold by AG Insurance, represents the fund’s first investment in Belgium. Financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed.

The Tervueren II office building, located in the prestigious Leopold district of Brussels, offers 7,300 square meters of leasable space and 74 underground parking spaces. Originally built in 1976, the property underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2019, resulting in a high-quality, energy-efficient facility. It has achieved a “Very Good” rating from BREEAM, the leading certification for sustainable construction.

The building is fully leased on a long-term basis to Dutch law firm Loyens & Loeff, underscoring its strong tenant profile and stability. Its strategic location near key EU institutions enhances its appeal, offering tenants excellent infrastructure and connectivity.

This acquisition marks a significant step for Deka-ImmobilienMetropolen, expanding its portfolio with a high-standard ESG property in the heart of Europe. Fund management seized the opportunity to secure the property under favorable purchase conditions, further enhancing the fund’s value proposition.

With this move, Deka Immobilien reinforces its commitment to sustainable investments while solidifying its presence in one of Europe’s key office markets.

Garbe with largest single letting of the year in the greater Hamburg area

Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH has re-let one of its existing properties in Norderstedt. A retailer will move in on 1 January 2025 and use the property with a total area of around 26,200 square metres for the handling and storage of goods. The deal is likely to be the largest single letting of the current year in the greater Hamburg area.

“Thanks to our active asset management, we have been able to successfully conclude a direct and long-term follow-on lease to a tenant with a strong credit rating in a challenging market environment,” emphasises Philipp Petersen, Regional Manager Hamburg at Garbe Industrial Real Estate: “We are all the more pleased that we have been able to achieve the largest single letting in terms of space on the Hamburg market for logistics properties so far this year.” The building complex was previously let to a textile logistics company.

The property is located in the southern part of the “Harkshörn” industrial estate and consists of a total of four halls with a logistics and office space of around 24,300 square metres. The floor load capacity is five tonnes per square metre. The building is equipped with 33 gates and 26 dock levellers for loading and unloading trucks. There is also a free-standing pavilion, which covers an area of around 1,900 square metres and is mainly used as an office building. There are parking spaces for 112 cars in the outdoor area.

Norderstedt, located in the south of Schleswig-Holstein, is part of the Hamburg metropolitan region. The A 7 motorway, which connects the site to Flensburg in a northerly direction and to Hamburg and Hanover in the south, can be reached in just a few minutes from the “Harkshörn” industrial estate. Hamburg Airport is 15 kilometres away. There is a bus stop with public transport connections in the immediate vicinity.

The Hamburg branch of property consultancy Savills acted as agent for the letting.

Garbe Industrial Real Estate also has further sites in Norderstedt. In the Schützenwall commercial area, for example, a logistics property is currently being built with a hall area of around 11,000 square metres. The property should be available in the summer of next year. In the Nordport industrial area in the immediate vicinity of Hamburg Airport, the Hamburg-based real estate company is present with a World Cargo Centre and a logistics centre.

Cushman & Wakefield Echinox Report: Optimism grows in Romanian real estate market for 2025

Romanian real estate investors are showing renewed optimism about the market’s prospects for 2025, according to the latest Real Estate Investors Sentiment Barometer by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox. Among surveyed investors and developers managing Romanian real estate portfolios worth over €15 billion, 64% expect portfolio values to rise in the next 12 months, 30% foresee stability, and only 6% anticipate a decline.

Key Insights
• Geographic Focus: Bucharest remains the dominant investment destination, favored by 80% of respondents, up from 66% in 2023. Secondary cities are gaining traction, with over 65% of investors targeting these markets, and interest in tertiary cities (populations under 200,000) rising to 31%.
• Sector Trends: Optimism surrounds the industrial, logistics, and retail segments, with investors predicting office demand stabilization and selective portfolio expansion. Retail rents are expected to increase, supported by recovering demand and robust sales growth, while industrial and logistics assets are forecasted to see stable performance.
• Inflation and Costs: Inflation remains the top concern, along with construction and financing costs, which could pressure rents across all segments.

A majority of investors plan to grow their portfolios over the next three years, with banks cited as the primary financing source by 49% of respondents. Shareholder loans are also significant, accounting for 19%. Only 9% of respondents anticipate downsizing their activities.

Sustainability has emerged as a priority, with investors increasingly focused on certifying buildings and adhering to EU ESG Taxonomy requirements. The integration of sustainability practices is seen as crucial for long-term success.

While inflation and interest rates are key challenges, improvements in macroeconomic stability, taxation, and labor market conditions are bolstering confidence. Operating cost management and navigating complex legislative regulations are highlighted as significant hurdles for portfolio management.

“Investors are cautiously optimistic, anticipating consolidation in key sectors while maintaining a focus on sustainability and innovation,” said Vlad Saftoiu, Head of Research at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

As the Romanian real estate market continues to evolve, investors are poised to capitalize on growth opportunities while navigating economic and regulatory challenges. The positive outlook signals a promising year ahead for one of Eastern Europe’s most dynamic property markets.

Source: Cushman & Wakefield Echinox
Photo: Vlad Saftoiu, Head of Research Cushman & Wakefield Echinox

SARMIS Capital acquires Total Technologies to boost Smart ID’s regional leadership

Investment fund SARMIS Capital has announced the acquisition of Total Technologies, a leading Honeywell industrial automation technology integrator in Central and Eastern Europe. This strategic move, conducted through its portfolio company Smart ID Technology, enhances Smart ID’s capacity to provide advanced technology solutions across industries such as retail, manufacturing, logistics, and distribution.

This acquisition marks Smart ID’s second major transaction following its 2022 purchase of Romanian ERP software leader Sceptrum. Subject to Competition Council approval, the deal creates an integrated entity of over 180 highly skilled specialists with a combined turnover exceeding €35 million.

The integration of Total Technologies aligns with SARMIS Capital’s strategy of fostering growth in its portfolio companies. Smart ID Technology and Total Technologies will leverage their synergies to enhance solution offerings and expand their market footprint in the industrial automation and data capture space.

“This acquisition supports our goal of building a regional leader in automation and data capture solutions,” said Cezar Scarlat, Managing Partner at SARMIS Capital. “It also marks a decisive step in our larger strategy, with a budget of €20-30 million allocated for acquisitions across Central and Eastern Europe. Together, Smart ID and Total Technologies will create significant value for customers, employees, and partners, further strengthening our competitive position.”

Giani Iancu, CEO of Total Technologies, welcomed the acquisition: “Joining SARMIS Capital and Smart ID Technology is a natural evolution for us. This partnership will enable us to expand our capabilities and deliver even more innovative solutions to our customers.”

Daniel Boangiu, CEO and founder of Smart ID, added: “With this integration, we reinforce our position as an independent regional leader, diversify our solutions, and gain the expertise of the Total Technologies team. We are excited to have Giani Iancu continue with us, contributing operationally and strategically to strengthen relationships with customers and suppliers.”

The acquisition was supported by a team of legal, financial, and strategic advisors: For Smart ID: bpv Grigorescu Ștefănică (legal), Path2Capital (strategic), TS Partners (financial), Dobrinescu Dobrev Tax Advisory (tax). For Total Technologies: Daniel Vutcanu (legal), Mihai & Co. Business Lawyers (legal).

Photo: Iulia Dragomir, Partner at bpv GRIGORESCU STEFANICA

CTP acquires €700M brownfield site in Düsseldorf for state-of-the-art business park development

CTP has announced the acquisition of an 830,000 sqm industrial site in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, for €155 million. The site, previously owned by Vallourec, a manufacturer of pipe systems, will be transformed into a €700 million next-generation urban business park.

This acquisition marks CTP’s largest single land purchase to date. The company plans to redevelop the inner-city site into CTPark Düsseldorf, a cutting-edge, multi-user business park catering to industries such as manufacturing, research and development, and logistics.

Aligned with CTP’s sustainability strategy, the project will prioritize resource-efficient redevelopment of brownfield sites. Germany is experiencing strong demand for high-quality, sustainable industrial and logistics spaces, driven by growth in sectors like semiconductors and clean-tech. To meet this demand, CTP focuses on revitalizing existing industrial sites to the highest sustainability standards, supporting occupiers’ ESG goals.

CTPark Düsseldorf will feature a variety of facility sizes, ranging from 1,000 sqm to 30,000 sqm, all designed to attract forward-thinking businesses that are driving Germany’s economic transformation.

“This acquisition in Düsseldorf is a highlight of our year and our largest revitalization project in Germany to date. It underscores our expertise in brownfield redevelopment and reflects our commitment to sustainable development,” said Alexander Hund, Managing Director Germany & Austria at CTP.

“The trusting collaboration with the City of Düsseldorf has been key, and we are excited to advance this project in 2025,” added Timo Hielscher, Managing Director M&A at CTP Germany.

The site, located in Düsseldorf’s Rath district, was previously one of Vallourec’s primary tube production facilities before its closure in late 2023. It is well-connected to major transport infrastructure:
• 300 meters from the A52 motorway,
• 4 km from the A44 and 9 km from the A3,
• 2 km from Düsseldorf Airport,
• 8 km from Düsseldorf city center.

This acquisition adds to CTP’s growing portfolio in North Rhine-Westphalia, which already includes sites in Wuppertal, Aachen, Krefeld, and Mülheim.

Planning for CTPark Düsseldorf is already underway, with the site acquisition scheduled to complete by 31 December 2025. Initial enabling work will begin the same year. This project follows CTP’s earlier acquisition of a 335,000 sqm site in Mülheim an der Ruhr from Vallourec in December 2023, where construction is set to commence next year.

By leveraging its Parkmaker Concept and international experience, CTP aims to deliver a world-class business park that combines innovation, sustainability, and connectivity, further strengthening its presence in the German industrial real estate market.

South American workers step in to meet Poland’s labor needs

With fewer Ukrainian workers supporting sectors like logistics, agriculture, and construction, Poland is turning to labor migration from South America and Asia. In 2023, over 275,000 work permits were issued to workers from these regions—five times more than in 2019. Colombians, Nepalese, and Argentinians led the influx, as businesses seek to fill gaps in unskilled labor.

With GDP projected to grow by 3% in 2025 and one of the EU’s lowest unemployment rates, Poland faces a critical challenge: addressing bureaucratic hurdles and integrating migrant workers effectively.

Key Challenges
• Lengthy Processes: Work permits take 3–6 months, delaying access to the labor force.
• Language Barriers: Many migrants lack Polish skills, complicating workplace integration.
• Exploitation Concerns: Rising cases of unfair practices have prompted the government to draft stricter regulations for employment agencies.

“Streamlined visa procedures and stronger integration support are essential to maximize the potential of this new workforce,” said Jakub Kizielewicz, CEO of Opteamic Group.

Poland’s government has proposed new laws to protect foreign workers and ensure stable employment. Outsourcing agencies play a vital role, managing legal formalities, organizing language courses, and supporting cultural adaptation.

The influx of South American workers offers a significant opportunity for Poland’s economy, but success depends on reducing bureaucratic delays, addressing exploitation, and ensuring smoother integration. With these measures, Poland can fully capitalize on this new wave of labor migration in 2025.

Source: Opteamic
Photo: Jakub Kizielewicz, CEO of Opteamic Group

Exploring available flats and commercial spaces in completed Polish developments

What types of flats are available in completed or soon-to-be-completed developments, and what are their prices? Additionally, what commercial spaces are offered in these projects, and how much do they cost?

Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Sales Office Manager, Matexi Polska:
Among the Warsaw investments, we have a total of around 70 ready-to-buy flats, ranging from 33 sqm to 90 sqm, where three-room flats predominate. The offer varies depending on the location. In the Bielany district, in the Sokratesa11a project and the Na Bielany project, the average price is around PLN 17,600 per square metre.
In the Praga Północ district in the Na Okrzei project, the price is on average around PLN 25,000/sqm. In the next two months we also plan to complete the construction of the first stage of the Sady Żoliborz project. We still have 55 flats on offer, at an average price of around PLN 26,600/sqm.

We are also currently offering 6 ready-to-commission commercial premises with an average area of approximately 130 sq m. Prices start from PLN 16,100 gross/sqm in the Warsaw district of Bielany, up to PLN 27,000 gross/sqm in the development at 24 Domaniewska Street in Mokotów.

Dr Iwona Sroka, member of the Management Board of Murapol SA.:
The Murapol Group has almost 300 investment flats and flats on offer ready for collection. The pool includes studios as well as two-, three-, four- and even spacious five-room flats. The largest number of flats to which keys can be obtained immediately after purchase is currently in Gdańsk. Customers there have a total of 95 flats and investment flats to choose from.

There is also a large number of flats ready for collection in Bielsko-Biała. We offer 54 flats there in the Murapol Trzy Lipki project. Slightly fewer, 45 units are available to buyers in Poznań. In Bydgoszcz, 30 flats are available as part of Murapol Osiedle Akademickie, and 33 units are available in Murapol Siewierz Jeziorna. The last flats ready for collection are also available in Sosnowiec’s Murapol Apartamenty na Wzgórzu.

It is worth mentioning that all the premises mentioned above have been included in the Housing Cashback programme. As part of the promotion, the Murapol Group guarantees not only the collection of one’s own premises before the end of December. If you decide to buy a flat or an investment flat in Bielsko-Biała, Bydgoszcz, Gdańsk, Poznań, Siewierz or Sosnowiec and make the payment still this year, you can count on a bonus in the form of a 3 percent refund of the price of the purchased flat or flat. By the end of the first quarter of 2025, we expect to deliver another 160 units in Toruń, 50 units each in Łódź and Siewierz and 34 units in Kraków.

Tomasz Kaleta, managing director of sales and marketing at Develia:
Thanks to well-thought-out layouts and prices adapted to the market, we sell almost all our investments at the completion stage. The share of ready flats and those with a near completion date does not exceed about 2 per cent in the case of Develia. Ready flats, mainly three- and four-room ones, are currently available in projects such as Ujeścisko Vita in Gdańsk, Ceglana Park in Katowice or Next Ursus in Warsaw.

Agnieszka Majkusiak, sales director at Atal:
In the Źródlana Residence project located in Piotrków Trybunalski, we have a finished flat of 48 sqm on offer at a price of over PLN 364,000. In the Atal Sky + project in Katowice, you can buy a unit of 60 sq m for PLN 608 thousand. In the Skwer Harmonia estate in Kraków, a flat of 75 sq m is available for purchase at a price of PLN 5837,648.

In Panorama Reden in Chorzów, a flat of 42 sq m is on offer at a price of over PLN 375 thousand. In the Nowe Miasto Polesie investment in Łódź, a completed flat of 77 sq m can be bought for PLN 647,738. In the Zacisze Marcelin project in Poznań, a finished unit of 57 sq.m. is available for around PLN 601.5 thousand. The keys can also be collected immediately for a 72 sq m flat in the Atal City Square development in Wrocław, which is offered for PLN 807,786.

In the Sokolska 30 Towers investment in Katowice, we also have a commercial unit of 107 sq m on sale for PLN 1,115,743. In Wrocław, in Atal City Square, a unit of over 100 sq m is available for purchase for PLN 1,132,428.

Zuzanna Należyta, commercial director at Eco Classic:
The third stage of the Moja Północna investment in Warsaw’s Tarchomin is closest to delivery. It is planned to obtain an occupancy permit by the end of the year. We have around 20 per cent of the flats available there. Available for purchase are two-room flats with an area of around 36 sqm, priced from 16,600 sqm, three-room flats with an area of 67 sqm, priced from PLN 13,800 sqm and a size of 91 sqm, priced from PLN 10,900 sqm.
Agnieszka Gajdzik-Wilgos, Sales Manager, Ronson Development

We are currently offering ready-to-commence flats, as well as those whose construction will be completed in the coming months, in several investments in various Polish cities. In Warsaw, in the Ursus Centralny development (2E), 41 flats are available, with floor areas ranging from 38 to 95 sqm. These are mainly three-room flats, but there are also 13 two-room flats and one four-room flat on offer. Prices range from PLN 616,000 to PLN 1.2 million.

In the City of My City development, there are eight flats available, ranging in size from 54 to 61 sqm, including one two-room and seven three-room flats, with prices ranging from PLN 700,000 to PLN 770,000.
As part of the Nova Królikarnia project, 5 houses with areas ranging from 247 to 363 sqm can be purchased, with prices ranging from PLN 5.2 million to PLN 5.5 million.

In Szczecin, in the Nowa Północ development, 10 flats are available with floor areas ranging from 41 to 71 sqm, including one two-room, one four-room and eight three-room flats. Prices range from PLN 400,000 to PLN 600,000.

In Wrocław, in the Viva IIB investment, we offer four flats, including one one-room and three two-room flats, with areas ranging from 65 to 104 sqm, at prices ranging from PLN 700 thousand to 900 thousand.
On the other hand, in Poznań, in the Grunwald Między Drzewami investment, two three-room flats of 60 sqm are available, with prices ranging from PLN 660 thousand to PLN 680 thousand.

Joanna Chojecka, sales and marketing director for Warsaw and Wrocław at Robyg Group:
We have ready service units of 193 sqm and 237 sqm in Wrocław in the Legnicka Residence investment. They can be purchased at a net price of PLN 12,000/sqm. In this development, completed one-room flats with an area of 31-36 sq m are waiting for buyers at a price of PLN 14,500 – 15,800 / sq m gross. Three-room ones of 67-72 sqm at PLN 13 000 – 13 600/sqm and four-room ones of 79 sqm for PLN 12 000 – 12 300/sqm.

In the Jagodno project, some of the houses are ready and some will be available for delivery in the second quarter of 2025. A property of 80 – 82 sq m can be bought in this development for PLN 10,280 – 11,274 per sq m gross. In Port Popowice, we offer ready-made commercial units of 125-127 sq m in building F at a price of PLN 12,000 net/sq m/month.

In the Jutrzenki 92 development in Warsaw, four-room flats of 77-84 sq m are on sale at PLN 11,850 – PLN 11,940 per sq m gross. In the Royal Residence Wilanów estate, on the other hand, a one-room apartment of 34 sq.m. can be purchased for PLN 20,400 per sq.m. gross. A two-room unit of 41 – 47 sq m is available for purchase for PLN 19,422 – PLN 20,200 per sq m gross, while a 73 sq m, three-room unit is offered for PLN 18,800 per sq m gross.

Dawid Wrona, Chief Operating Officer at Archicom:
Most apartments are sold before the investment is completed. Therefore, the offer of flats ready for handover or whose construction will be completed in the nearest future is relatively limited. At present, we offer over 100 such flats, which, with few exceptions, concern the projects under construction in Łódź – Fuzja, Zenit and Wodna 17 BOHO. The size of the flats in question, whose prices start at PLN 9900 per square metre, ranges from 31 sqm to 69 sqm. The vast majority of them are one-room flats.

Michał Witkowski, sales director at Lokum Deweloper:
At the completed Lokum Verde housing estate, we offer flats ranging from 38 to 88 sqm, with prices starting from 599,000 PLN. We also have turnkey flats here. This is a unique investment located in Wrocław’s Zakrzów district, whose hallmark is courtyards filled with lush and diverse vegetation. That is why it is also called a green garden estate.

The last finished flats are also available at the Lokum Monte estate, located in Sobótka, in the picturesque surroundings of the Ślężański Landscape Park. It is an intimate complex with its own wellness zone and a garden full of plants characteristic of the local flora. On offer are the last spacious flats with areas ranging from 70 to 100 sqm, priced from PLN 699,000.

In turn, in the completed part of the Lokum Porto development, we have both flats and commercial premises. This investment is an ideal place for those who want to live near the vibrant city centre, but who also appreciate the proximity of nature. Here, walking alleys with a variety of greenery and ponds provide the perfect setting for the modern architecture. In the completed stages, we offer a wide range of flats – from 30 to 128 sqm, with prices starting from PLN 599,000. In this location, we also have premises and offices for rent with areas starting from 98 sqm. Ultimately, the estate will comprise around 1,000 flats, so it is a place with great potential for business.

Source: dompress.pl
Photo: Na Bielany by Matexi

Asseco and Kron Real sell Galvaniho Business Centrum 5 to ERSTE Fund

Asseco Central Europe, Kron Real, and other shareholders have announced the successful sale of Galvaniho Business Centrum 5 (GBC 5) in Bratislava to the ERSTE Realitná Renta real estate fund, managed by Erste Asset Management. The transaction was facilitated by the international real estate consultancy firm CBRE.

Galvaniho Business Centrum 5 is a state-of-the-art A+ category office building offering over 21,000 m² of premium office space and high-quality services for its distinguished tenants. Operational since 2021, the property is known for its innovative design and strong focus on sustainability.

The building features solar panels, contributing to reduced operating costs and enhanced energy efficiency. GBC 5 is also in the process of obtaining the prestigious BREEAM Excellent certification, further solidifying its commitment to ecological solutions and sustainability.

Recognized for its exceptional architecture, GBC 5 received the CEZAAR architecture award in 2022. The project’s core principles of architecture, functionality, and sustainability align with modern investor expectations and tenant demands.

“The theme of environmental and social sustainability is central to our investment strategy at ERSTE Asset Management. The acquisition of Galvaniho Business Center 5 reflects this commitment and reinforces the trend we have established with the ERSTE Realitná Renta fund,” said Pavol Vejmelka, Director of Erste Asset Management’s branch in Slovakia.

The successful sale highlights the growing appeal of high-quality office properties among institutional investors.

“We are very pleased to have managed this significant transaction. It confirms that premium office assets remain highly attractive for institutional investors,” commented Marian Mlynárik, Senior Director of CBRE’s Investment Properties Department.

For Asseco Central Europe, the transaction marks a strategic shift in focus.

“Galvaniho Business Center 5 perfectly embodies our values of flexibility, creativity, and sustainability. However, asset management is not our core business. With the funds obtained from this sale, we can now reinvest in strategic areas such as acquisitions or research and development (R&D),” said Jozef Klein, CEO of Asseco Central Europe.

Kron Real, a key player in the Galvaniho campus development, celebrated the success of the project: “For over 20 years, we have contributed to the development, management, and operation of the Galvaniho Campus, which now spans approximately 90,000 m² of office space. We are proud to have been part of the GBC 5 story from its inception and look forward to continuing our involvement in its future,” added Ján Krajčík, CEO of Kron Real.

The sale of Galvaniho Business Centrum 5 represents a significant milestone in Slovakia’s real estate market, reflecting investor confidence in premium, sustainable office assets. GBC 5’s modern infrastructure, environmental focus, and award-winning design make it a standout addition to ERSTE Realitná Renta’s growing portfolio.

OECD report: Adult literacy and numeracy skills decline in most countries, inequalities widen

Literacy and numeracy skills among adults have either stagnated or declined over the past decade in most OECD countries, according to the latest OECD Survey of Adult Skills. The decline has been particularly significant among low-educated adults, highlighting growing disparities in foundational skills.

The Survey assessed the skills of around 160,000 adults aged 16-65 across 31 countries, 27 of which participated in the first survey in 2013. It measured literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills, while also examining how these skills are applied in the workplace. The findings aim to shed light on how skill development impacts employment, quality of life, and economic growth.

Key Findings
• Stagnation and Decline: While countries like Finland and Denmark have shown improvements in literacy, most have not, and declines are particularly stark among the lowest-performing 10% of adults.
• Numeracy Gains: Eight countries, including Finland and Singapore, recorded improvements in numeracy, though similar disparities exist.
• Growing Inequalities: The performance gap between the top 10% and the bottom 10% has widened in many countries. Singapore and the United States reported the largest literacy and numeracy inequalities in 2023.
• Persistent Social Disparities: Skills are closely linked to social background, with foreign-born adults typically scoring lower than native-born adults. In some countries, the rising share of foreign-born populations contributed to declining literacy scores.

Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden emerged as the best-performing countries across all skill domains. Conversely, eleven countries, including Italy, Poland, and Spain, consistently scored below the OECD average.

Gender and Skill Gaps
• Literacy skills have declined more among men, narrowing the gender gap.
• Men continue to outperform women in numeracy and problem-solving.

“Adults with higher numeracy skills are more likely to secure employment, earn higher wages, and report better health and life satisfaction,” said OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann.

The report highlights an urgent need for governments to rethink how foundational skills are supported. As technological advancements transform workplaces, these skills are essential for future resilience and prosperity.

By investing in education and adult training systems, countries can build a more inclusive and skilled workforce to address these widening inequalities and sustain long-term growth.

*160 000 adults aged 16 to 65 were surveyed in 31 countries and economies: Austria, Belgium (Flemish Region), Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, England (UK), Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, the Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden and the United States.

Download the report on the link below:

front page info
LATEST NEWS