The publication of BS EN 1990‑1:2023+A1:2026, BS EN 1990‑2:2026, and the UK National Annex to BS EN 1990‑1:2026 marks an important point in how structural and geotechnical design is supported across the built environment.

These publications form part of the wider evolution to the second generation of EN Eurocodes, but each serves a distinct purpose in practice. The two updated BS EN standards address specific aspects of structural and geotechnical design and assessment, while the UK National Annex sets out nationally determined decisions for application within the UK.

At a time when expectations around safety, proportionality, sustainability and accountability continue to rise, they provide practitioners with clearer reference points for making informed, defensible decisions within their respective scopes.

What are the second generation of Eurocodes?

The second generation of EN Eurocodes is the result of a long‑running international programme led by CEN/TC 250 and involving thousands of experts across Europe. Its aim has not been to reinvent the Eurocodes, but to ensure they remain fit for purpose as design practice, materials, methods and societal expectations evolve.

The updates reflect well‑established shifts in the industry: increased emphasis on reuse and adaptation of existing structures; greater scrutiny of design assumptions; and the need for standards that are both rigorous and usable in practice. Rather than being released as a single suite, second‑generation Eurocodes are being published progressively, allowing users to prepare for transition in a structured way.

In the UK, this is supported by a defined coexistence period, with first‑generation adoptions due to be withdrawn by BSI on 30 March 2028. That timeframe gives organizations space not only to update references, but to understand what has changed, why it has changed and how to embed the revised approach with confidence.

BS EN 1990‑1:2023+A1:2026: Designing new structures with greater clarity

BS EN 1990‑1 establishes the core principles for the design of new structures, setting out how safety, serviceability, robustness and durability are addressed across the Eurocodes framework. It is the reference point against which other Eurocodes parts are applied, making it foundational rather than discipline‑specific.

The updated 2026 edition consolidates the revised standard and introduces clearer application rules for a range of specialist structure types that are increasingly common across modern projects. These include towers, masts and chimneys, silos and tanks, structures supporting cranes or machinery and coastal structures.

The value of these changes lies in their precision.

By clarifying how the basis of design should be applied in complex or specialist scenarios, the standard supports more consistent interpretation and reduces reliance on bespoke justification. For design teams, this improves efficiency. For organizations responsible for technical governance and assurance, it strengthens confidence that decisions are being made on a clear and consistent footing.

Get your copy of BS EN 1990‑1:2023+A1:2026 here.

UK National Annex to BS EN 1990‑1:2026: Reflecting UK best practice

Eurocodes are designed to harmonize structural design across Europe, but they also recognize the importance of national context. Climate, construction practice, regulatory expectations and accepted levels of risk vary, and national choice remains essential where permitted.

The UK National Annex to BS EN 1990‑1:2026 has been updated to align with the revised standard, providing UK‑specific decisions where national choice is allowed. This ensures that the basis of structural and geotechnical design continues to reflect established UK practice while remaining consistent with the EN framework.

Designed as a standalone document to be read alongside BS EN 1990‑1:2023+A1:2026, the National Annex supports clear, consistent application across UK projects. Its scope, including geotechnical design, is particularly relevant for practitioners working across integrated structural and ground engineering disciplines.

For organizations operating across borders, the National Annex also plays an important governance role, making explicit where UK decisions sit within the wider European framework and reducing the risk of misinterpretation during the transition period.

Get your copy of the UK National Annex to BS EN 1990‑1:2026 here.

BS EN 1990‑2:2026: A dedicated standard for existing structures

While new structures benefit from defined design assumptions, existing assets present a different challenge.

Engineers assessing existing structures often work with incomplete information, historic detailing, altered use, or partial interventions - all while balancing safety, practicality, cost and sustainability.

BS EN 1990‑2:2026 responds directly to this reality. It provides a new standardized framework for the assessment of existing structures, including geotechnical structures and retained elements, and sets out general principles for intervention.

Crucially, the standard recognizes that existing structures cannot simply be treated as new ones with reduced data. It supports the use of updated information, revised partial factors and appropriate structural models, enabling engineers to make decisions that reflect actual conditions rather than default assumptions.

By replacing PD CEN/TS 17440:2020, BS EN 1990‑2:2026 also brings this area of practice into a fully harmonized EN standard. For asset owners, regulators and assurance teams, that consistency is significant. It improves comparability across projects, supports clearer justification of decisions and strengthens confidence in assessment outcomes.

Get your copy of BS EN 1990‑2:2026 here.

Building confidence as Eurocodes evolve

As the second generation of Eurocodes continue to be published, these three standards provide a strong, practical foundation for engaging with what comes next - not as a disruption, but as a structured evolution of established practice.