ADOPTION OF THE EUROCODES IN THE BALKAN REGION

Abstract

The considerable interest in the implementation and adoption of the Eurocodes in EU Member states, as well as in non-EU countries in the Balkan region is based on the opportunity to have an advanced common standardization environment, which is adaptable to the particular requirements of each country with regard to geographical, geological and climatic conditions, allowing to select specific levels of safety. Selected activities which are focused on the progress and specific needs for adoption and implementation of the Eurocodes and related EN standards in the Balkan region (Apostolska et al., 2013) are presented in the paper. These activities are carried out within the framework of the JRC Enlargement and Integration Action and intend to foster the implementation of the Eurocodes in the Balkan region. They encompass: (1) mapping of the current situation in the adoption and implementation of the Eurocodes in the Balkan region which was carried out by means of a questionnaire sent to the relevant national stakeholders and (2) a Workshop which brought together national experts and nominated experts from the European Commission, EU Member States and CEN/TC250. Generally, it may be concluded that most of the countries in the Balkan region are going to use the Eurocodes as primary standards. These countries are aware about needs for harmonization of national legislation and standardization framework for construction with EU legislation. However, in most of the countries there is a lack of relevant institutional support for adoption and implementation of the Eurocodes. One of the main recommendations streaming from the activities carried out is to increase exchange of experience and strengthen regional cooperation for elaboration of National Annexes and cross-border harmonization of the NDPs, especially in the elaboration of seismic hazard maps.