According to data published by Eurostat, corporate bankruptcy numbers in the European Union surged 3.1% in the second quarter of 2024 to reach a new high. Eurostat said this follows a 4.5% increase in bankruptcies in Q1 2024. However, while the overall number of bankruptcy declarations increased, the individual sectors of the economy behaved differently. Compared with the previous quarter, in the second quarter of 2024, bankruptcies decreased in four sectors: information and communication (-4.8%), transport (-1.6%), accommodation and food services (-1.1%) and education and social activities (-1.0%). Bankruptcy declarations increased in four other sectors: construction (+3.8%), financial activities (+2.6%), trade (+2.4%) and industry (+1.6%). To read Eurostat’s news release, go to https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20240816-2.