The EFFC Executive Committee met in Haarlem, the Netherlands, on 26–27 February 2026 to discuss key developments within the Federation and across the European foundation engineering sector.
Welcome and Guest Contribution
In addition to the regular members, Norway participated as a guest country, providing valuable insight into its national federation and market conditions. The Norwegian federation highlighted current challenges including reduced construction activity, increased regulatory pressure, and the impact of policies such as wealth tax and zero-emission requirements.
New EFFC Secretariat
A key milestone was the introduction of the new EFFC Secretariat. The transition is progressing steadily, with clearly defined responsibilities and a stronger focus on coordination of working groups and events. While some operational elements remain temporarily with FPS to ensure continuity, the new structure is expected to enhance collaboration and efficiency across the Federation.
Governance and Code of Conduct
Governance and organisational development were central themes. The EFFC Code of Conduct was presented and broadly supported, establishing a common framework for professional behaviour, integrity, and collaboration. In parallel, a workshop on the EFFC rules identified key areas for improvement, including voting rights, membership fees, and governance structure. Proposals will be further developed and submitted for discussion at the next AGM.
National Federation Updates
During the round table session, members shared insights into national market conditions. While infrastructure investment continues to drive activity in several countries, others are experiencing more challenging conditions due to reduced private investment, regulatory pressures, and workforce shortages. Across all regions, sustainability, digitalisation, and skills development remain key priorities.
Technical and Working Group Progress
Progress across EFFC Task Groups and Working Groups was reviewed. The Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) guide is nearing completion, while updates to the Tremie Concrete and Support Fluids guides are advancing. The Sustainability and Health & Safety Working Groups continue to deliver key initiatives, including the promotion of the carbon calculator and industry engagement activities. A newly established AI Task Group has begun exploring practical applications and knowledge sharing across the sector.
Health & Safety Awards
The EFFC Health & Safety Awards recognised outstanding contributions within the industry. Anton van Heezen (Van ’t Hek Group, Netherlands) received the Safety Initiative Award for an innovative solution addressing lifting risks, while Michał Nowakowski (Keller, Poland) was awarded Safety Leader of the Year.
Operational and Financial Matters
The joint DFI–EFFC Bruges Conference 2025 was highlighted as a major success, attracting around 400 delegates and delivering a strong financial result. While this provides a positive contribution to EFFC’s finances, it was noted that additional revenue streams will be required to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Innovation and Future Talent
The meeting included an early careers perspective, emphasising the importance of attracting and developing new talent within the sector. Technical presentations highlighted the Dutch approach to geotechnical engineering and innovative solutions such as the Energy Sheet Pile Wall, underlining the sector’s role in innovation and the energy transition.
Sustainability Charter
A workshop on the Sustainability Charter confirmed its role as a guiding framework for aligning environmental, social, and economic priorities across the Federation. The charter will be further refined based on feedback from national federations, with a focus on supporting implementation rather than imposing mandatory requirements.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The meeting concluded with a forward-looking discussion on strengthening collaboration across federations and advancing key initiatives, particularly in sustainability, governance, and digitalisation.
The next EFFC meeting will take place at the AGM in Edinburgh on 1–2 October 2026.