European Union industrial production returned to growth in 2025 after two consecutive years of decline, while Bulgaria, Romania and Greece continued to show markedly different industrial profiles. Bulgaria's industry is particularly concentrated in basic metals and metal products, Romania has a strong automotive and transport equipment sector, and Greece is dominated by food, beverages and tobacco production.
The value of industrial production sold across the EU rose by 3.8 percent in 2025 from the previous year, reaching 6.1 trillion euros, according to the latest Eurostat. The increase followed declines of 1.5 percent in 2023 and 1.9 percent in 2024.
Growth in 2025 was supported by increases across 10 industrial activities. The strongest rise was recorded in the production of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers, followed by food, beverages and tobacco products and the manufacture of computers, electronic and optical products.
The figures also highlight the very different industrial structures of Bulgaria and its two neighboring EU countries.
In Bulgaria, basic metals and metal products accounted for 22 percent of the total value of industrial production sold in 2025. The sector therefore represents one of the country's most important areas of industrial activity.
