EU Sectors in 2026: Tech to Outperform, ING Forecasts

2026 Sector Growth Outlook

A new forecast from ING projects varied growth across European Union sectors for 2026, with the technology industry poised for significant outperformance. Most sectors are expected to see modest growth between 1% and 1.5%.

Key Drivers and Projections

The technology sector is anticipated to expand by approximately 4.5%, a rate substantially higher than other EU industries. This growth is fueled by continued double-digit increases in IT spending, especially on data center systems and AI-optimized servers. While tech leads, the construction and staffing sectors are expected to show the strongest improvements compared to their 2025 performance.

Global Market Context

Despite this strong regional performance, the EU's tech sector growth still trails that of global competitors like the United States and China. The expansion is partly supported by EU-level initiatives such as Horizon Europe/EIC, which are designed to foster technological innovation and competitiveness within the bloc.

Summary and Outlook

In summary, ING's 2026 forecast highlights the technology sector as the primary engine of growth in the EU. While overall economic expansion remains moderate, targeted investments in high-tech infrastructure are creating standout opportunities. Stakeholders will be watching to see if EU incentives can help close the growth gap with other global tech leaders.

FAQ

Q: Which EU sector is projected to grow the fastest in 2026?
A: The technology sector is projected to be the fastest-growing, with an anticipated expansion of around 4.5%.

Q: What is the main driver behind the EU tech sector's growth?
A: The primary driver is a significant increase in IT spending, particularly for data center systems and servers optimized for artificial intelligence.

Q: How does the EU's tech growth compare globally?
A: Despite its strong outlook, the EU's tech sector growth is expected to lag behind the rates seen in the United States and China.

Source: Investing.com