Time line

1971
The Public Procurements Directive was issued.

1975
Eurocodes started, as a result of the decision of the Commission of the European Community to embark on an action programme in the field of construction based on Article 95 of the Treaty of Rome. The objective of the programme was the elimination of technical obstacles to trade and the harmonisation of technical specifications by means of technical rules which, in the first stage, would serve as an alternative to the national rules in force in the Member States and, ultimately, would replace them.

1980
An International Inquiry with regard to construction codes of practice was performed.

1984
The first Eurocodes were published by the Commission with the help of a Steering Committee containing representatives of Member States.

1989
The Construction Products Directive was issued. The CPD defines the essential requirements that construction products must satisfy.

1990
ENVs started, following a Mandate issued in 1989 by the Commission and the Member States, on the basis of an agreement with CEN, endorsed by the Standing Committee on Construction. The preparation and publication of the Eurocodes was transferred to CEN. The Eurocodes were intended to become European Standards.

1992
Publication of ENV Eurocodes by CEN begun. Due to difficulties in harmonizing all the aspects of the calculation methods, the ENV Eurocodes included "boxed values" which allowed Member States to choose values for use on their territory. National Application Documents, which gave the details of how to apply ENV Eurocodes in Member States, were, generally, issued with a country's ENV.

1998
Conversion of ENV to EN was initiated following the Commission Mandate to CEN on the Conversion of the Eurocodes from ENV into EN.

2003
The Commission Recommendation on the implementation and use of Eurocodes was issued. The EN Eurocodes are the recommended set of standards for the design of products and structures that satisfy the essential requirements of mechanical resistance and stability, as well as safety in case of fire. Member States are encouraged to adopt the recommended values of NDPs and to contribute to the promotion, further harmonisation and development of the EN Eurocodes.

2004
The Directive on Public Works contracts, Public Supply contracts and Public Service contracts was issued.

2006
The Publication of EN Eurocodes is concluded. The implementation programme enters the Coexistence Period, during which the EN Eurocodes are used in parallel with National Standards that have the same scope.

2010
Full Implementation of the EN Eurocodes as European Standards is foreseen for 2010 with the withdrawal of conflicting National Standards.