The Eurocodes: Your invisible foundation in the Belgian construction sector
Last updated:
February 3, 2026
As an engineer or architect, the Eurocodes are probably part of your daily routine—an impressive set of regulations full of formulas and safety factors. But did you know that behind these technical texts lies a story of European unification and Belgian precision? Here's what you need to know about the rules you work with every day.
The Eurocodes were not created because engineers wanted more calculations, but because of a political ideal. In 1975, the European Commission launched a plan to remove technical trade barriers between member states.
Imagine: before the 1990s, a German design for a steel bridge in Belgium could be rejected on technical grounds simply because the calculation method was different, even if the bridge was objectively safe. To break down these 'technical barriers', we had to speak one common language. In 1989, the Commission handed over the work to CEN (European Committee for Standardization), where NBN joined the table to defend our Belgian interests.
You know that you can never use a Eurocode in Belgium without the National Annex (ANB). The reason is simple: nature does not stop at the border, but the risks vary enormously from place to place.
Take snow load (in Eurocode 1) as an example. The Eurocode provides you with the mathematical formula, but not the amount of snow. A roof on the French Riviera hardly needs to take snow weight into account, while a roof in the far north of Norway must be able to withstand tons of extra pressure. In the Belgian National Annexes, Belgian experts specifically define the 'input' you must use for Belgian soil and the Belgian climate. Without these ANBs, your calculation is not legally valid.
We are on the eve of a major renewal. By March 2028, the current generation of Eurocodes must make way for the "Second Generation."
Please note: The NBN is making these new texts available on its platform in stages. Although the basic standards (the EN texts) are often already available, you can only use them officially for Belgian projects once the new Belgian National Annexes (ANB) are ready. Until then, we are in a transition period (co-existence) during which the current standards remain the legal standard.
What's new in the library?
• Eurocode 11 (Structural Glass): Glass finally gets its own place. No more ad hoc calculations, but a uniform basis for those daring glass facades.
•Focus on Existing Structures: The new rules will significantly assist you in assessing and reinforcing existing buildings—essential for the wave of renovations in Belgium.
•Climate adaptation: The maps for wind and snow loads are updated based on the most recent climate data.
To refresh your memory, the Eurocode family is broad. You probably use the following frequently:
•EN 1990 (Eurocode 0): The basis of the design; here you determine the reliability and the combination rules.
•EN 1992 (Eurocode 2): Your guide to everything related to concrete structures.
•EN 1993 (Eurocode 3): The bible for steel construction.
•EN 1997 (Eurocode 7): Essential for geotechnical engineering and foundations.
• 58 Volumes: The complete set consists of 58 separate volumes. If you want to master them all, you have a lot of studying ahead of you.
•Global export product: The Eurocodes are so advanced that they are being adopted outside Europe by countries in Southeast Asia and Africa. Your knowledge can therefore literally be applied worldwide.
•Belgian contribution: Through the NBN and the Sectoral Operators, Belgian experts are steering developments at European level. Our specific knowledge of concrete, for example, is thus being incorporated into European standards.
The Eurocodes ensure that you, as a professional, can build on a foundation of shared European knowledge. Whether you are designing a tower block in Westende or a warehouse at Liège airport, you are working with the most advanced codes in the world.
Want to know if you have the latest version with the correct Belgian annex? Always check the NBN standards platform for the official 'NBN EN + ANB' publications.
