Israel Adopts European Standards to Cut Construction Costs

Israel's National Council for Planning and Construction has approved a reform that will allow the use of European standards when no up-to-date Israeli standard exists. This move aims to open the construction sector to new technologies and materials, increase competition, and reduce building costs. Previously, the Israeli construction industry relied heavily on conventional methods and materials, with innovative ones requiring lengthy approval processes.

The reform introduces a performance-based design approach, defining required engineering outcomes rather than dictating specific solutions. This grants engineers and planners greater flexibility in choosing methods while ensuring safety. A key change is the principle of adopting European standards, known as Eurocodes, when no equivalent Israeli standard is available. This is expected to simplify the introduction of technologies and materials already in use in Europe, eliminating the need for separate approval procedures in Israel.

Officials believe this will create a more unified engineering language with European countries, boost competition, and facilitate the adoption of advanced solutions. The reform also aims to address labor shortages by encouraging industrialized construction and new technologies. The Chairman of the National Council for Planning and Construction, Benny Arbib, stated that the new regulations align Israeli planning and construction rules with global professional and technological advancements, allowing for greater flexibility and faster adoption of international solutions.

While the reform has been approved, its practical implementation will involve a dedicated oversight process. The use of foreign standards will become possible after regulations for control institutes are finalized, enabling necessary engineering control by experts. The reform was advanced by the Regulation Division of the Planning Administration in cooperation with industry professionals.