TAIEX Study Visit on the Eurocodes – a Visit from Uzbekistan
From 6 to 10 October 2025, DIBt hosted an Uzbek delegation on a study visit to Berlin as part of an EU-funded TAIEX mission. TAIEX stands for Technical Assistance and Information Exchange and, alongside Twinning, is an EU instrument for fostering capacity-building in public institutions. This specific TAIEX project entitled ‘Implementation of European Standards (EN 1990-1999)’ was awarded to the Research Institute for Technical Regulation (RITS) in Uzbekistan in October 2024.
Following on from an expert mission and a workshop with Italian and Romanian Eurocode experts held in Tashkent in the spring, RITS finally sent a seven-member delegation on a study visit to autumnal Berlin at the beginning of October 2025. The delegation included RITS experts led by Muzaffar Mustapov, Director of RITS, a representative from UZSTANDART and a representative from the Uzbek Ministry of Construction.
DIBt's mission was to encourage RITS in the implementation of the Eurocodes and the development of National Annexes, providing as much assistance as possible, also with a view to establishing networks in the fields of construction, standardisation and regulation.
Focus on the Eurocodes: discuss, network, understand
Over several days, the delegates deep-dived into the Eurocodes, looking, in particular, at the basis of structural design, load assumptions, steel construction, geotechnics and seismic design. Guided in part by Prof. Dr. Markus Feldmann (RWTH Aachen, future chair of CEN/TC 250), participants took part in a rich and varied program featuring talks, seminars, hands-on exercises, lab tours, and discussions with experts.
The RITS delegates were also able to join the annual in-person meeting of the Inter-Jurisdictional Regulatory Collaboration Committee (IRCC), which took place at DIBt in parallel, and participate in a full-day expert dialogue on 'Regulating transformation?', thus establishing useful contacts for the future development of the Uzbek construction sector. The programme was rounded out by an exchange with the National Contact Point for Twinning and TAIEX and the National and International Standardization Policy Division of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
Building bridges between science, politics and standardisation
On Friday, the final day of the study visit, the delegates went to see the Civil Engineering Department – specialising in building conservation and construction work on existing buildings – at the University of Applied Sciences in Potsdam, as well as the German Institute for Standardization (DIN). At the University of Applied Sciences, the delegates had the opportunity to visit the test facilities and laboratories of the University. The delegates also showed a lively interest in the work of the Standards Committee 'Building and Civil Engineering' (NABau), where the cooperation between DIN and CEN, but also opportunities for Uzbekistan to gain even deeper insights into national and European standardisation work were at the heart of the discussion.
We look back on an intense and inspiring week – shaped by lively discussions and an open and engaged exchange with our guests. We would like to thank everyone for their interest, constructive questions, and the enriching encounters. Our special thanks go to our partners from science, academia politics, standardisation, and to the European Commission, DG INTPA, whose support made this project possible.