The number of bankruptcies increased in the second quarter of 2025

According to Eurostat, more new companies were registered in the European Union in the second quarter of 2025 than at the beginning of the year: the number of registrations increased by 4.6%. However, the number of bankruptcies also increased at the same time, by 1.7% compared to the first quarter. This indicates that entrepreneurial activity is increasing, but also that the risk to the sustainability of individual industries is growing.

Growth in the number of new companies was recorded in almost all sectors of the economy. The greatest dynamics was observed in transport (+13.1%), information and communication technologies (+8.2%) and financial services (+5.2%). Industry remained at the same level, with no noticeable changes.

In terms of bankruptcies, the most vulnerable sectors were ICT (+13.6%) and construction (+8.1%). This can be explained both by high competition and costs in the technology sector, and by lower demand and expensive financing in the construction industry. At the same time, the situation improved in a number of sectors: the number of bankruptcies decreased by 7.5% in the hotel and restaurant industry and by 3.7% in trade.

Thus, the picture remains mixed: on the one hand, new companies indicate an increase in business activity and entrepreneurial interest, but on the other hand, there is still pressure on business, especially in capital-intensive and high-risk sectors. This emphasises the importance of a balanced economic policy and the creation of conditions that will allow new businesses to gain a foothold in the market.