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What are the Eurocodes?
The Eurocodes are European standards for structural design. The established EN 1990–EN 1999 families cover the basis of design, actions on structures, structural materials, geotechnics and earthquake resistance. Individual families contain parts for particular structures or design situations. Start with the project and its location, then identify the coordinated set of parts and national provisions needed.
Design to a Eurocode is different from CE marking a construction product. National building rules, project specifications, product standards and execution requirements each have their own role. The European Commission JRC introduction explains the Eurocodes' purpose and limits.
EN 1990 to EN 1999: the Eurocode list
| Reference | Design subject | How it fits the project |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1990 | Basis of structural design | Reliability, safety, serviceability and durability |
| EN 1991 / Eurocode 1 | Actions on structures | Relevant loads and design situations |
| EN 1992 / Eurocode 2 | Concrete | Concrete structural elements |
| EN 1993 / Eurocode 3 | Steel | Steel elements and connections |
| EN 1994 / Eurocode 4 | Composite steel and concrete | Combined structural behaviour |
| EN 1995 / Eurocode 5 | Timber | Timber structural systems |
| EN 1996 / Eurocode 6 | Masonry | Masonry structural systems |
| EN 1997 / Eurocode 7 | Geotechnical design | Ground and foundation design |
| EN 1998 / Eurocode 8 | Earthquake resistance | Applicable seismic design situations |
| EN 1999 / Eurocode 9 | Aluminium | Aluminium structural systems |
The JRC Eurocode family guide shows how these documents work together. The wider second-generation programme also covers structural glass through EN 19100 and related technical specifications; EN 1990–1999 is not a complete list of every new structural-design document.
Which National Annex should you use?
Check the national provisions for the country where the structure will be built. A National Annex records permitted national choices, known as Nationally Determined Parameters, and may refer to non-contradictory complementary information. Do not assume that values selected for one country apply to another.
A separate National Annex is not necessary for every part: for example, there may be no national choices, or a country may adopt the recommended values. Verify this in the national publication and competent authority's guidance. Match the Annex to the exact Eurocode edition and generation. Sources: JRC national standards guidance and Eurocodes in your country.
Second-generation Eurocodes: 2027 and 2028 dates
The JRC reports two common implementation milestones:
- 30 September 2027: the latest national implementation date for the second-generation Eurocodes.
- 30 March 2028: the latest date for withdrawing conflicting national standards, including the corresponding first-generation Eurocode parts.
These are standardisation milestones, not a single permission to switch every live project on the same day. National Annexes, authority transition arrangements and project requirements still need checking. Confirm the status of each required part and avoid mixing generations without an assessed, documented basis. Source: JRC second-generation Eurocodes programme.
Build a project-specific Eurocode document list
- Record the design context: country, site, structure type, new work or alteration, intended use and project requirements.
- Establish the design basis: identify the relevant EN 1990 and EN 1991 parts and the actions to assess.
- Select material and specialist parts: include the structural materials, foundations, seismic and fire design where relevant.
- Confirm national choices: record the applicable National Annexes or documented adoption of recommended values.
- Align editions: list publication years, amendments, corrigenda and first- or second-generation status.
- Connect design and execution: identify applicable product and execution standards, specifications, inspections and responsibilities.
- Control changes: record who approves the document list and how later revisions will be reviewed.
Example: a steel-framed building
A starting document map may include EN 1990 for the design basis, relevant EN 1991 actions, EN 1993 steel design and EN 1997 geotechnics. Add fire, seismic or other parts when the project requires them. The EN 1090 series addresses related execution and structural-component conformity matters. This example is a way to organise document selection, not a design specification.
Find licensed Eurocodes, National Annexes and worked examples
Search Eurocodes in the Genorma catalogue (external catalogue partner). Confirm the precise part, edition, national adoption, Annex, language and licence. Prices and available formats are supplier-specific. Our legal access guide explains common access routes.
The JRC offers second-generation guidance with design examples. These educational resources help explain changes but do not replace the standards or project-specific engineering.
Frequently asked questions
Is EN 1990 the same as Eurocode 1?
No. EN 1990 provides the basis of structural design. Eurocode 1 is the EN 1991 family covering actions on structures.
Does following Eurocodes automatically satisfy the CPR?
No. Structural design and the marketing obligations for construction products are separate questions. Check the relevant product route, national building rules and execution requirements.
Can I use a first-generation National Annex with a new Eurocode?
Do not assume compatibility. Check the matching national publication and the national transition arrangements for the project before selecting the document set.
Sources checked for this editorial update: 26 September 2026. Structural design decisions require the responsible competent professional.