The new European Bauhaus takes shape

The new European Bauhaus gives a cultural and creative dimension to the Green Deal for Europe, aiming to demonstrate that sustainable innovation translates into concrete and positive experiences in our daily life.

Regarding funding, some 85 million euros will be spent on new European Bauhaus projects within the framework of the EU programs for the period 2021-2022. Many other EU programs will incorporate the new European Bauhaus as a contextual element or priority, without a specific predefined budget.

Funding will come from various EU programs such as the Horizon Europe program for research and innovation (including Horizon Europe missions), the LIFE program for the environment and climate action and the European Regional Development Fund. In addition, the Commission will call on the Member States to apply the fundamental values ​​of the new European Bauhaus in their territorial and socio-economic development strategies and to mobilize the relevant strands of their plans for recovery and resilience, as well as the programs under the cohesion policy, in order to build a better future for all.

The Commission will set up a Lab of the new European Bauhaus, a think tank and action group responsible for the processes of co-creation, prototyping and testing of tools, solutions and strategic recommendations. This Lab will be part of the continuity of the collaborative spirit of the movement, which brings together different horizons and is aimed at society, industry and political decision-makers in order to put actors in touch and find new means. to create together.

The Communication builds on the contributions received during the co-design phase which took place from January to July and during which the Commission received over 2 contributions from across Europe and beyond .

Foster growing movement

In January 2021, the co-design phase of the new European Bauhaus was launched with a view to identifying and examining aesthetic, sustainable and inclusive solutions for our living spaces and to contribute to the implementation of the Green Deal for the 'Europe. During this first stage of development, everyone was invited to take part in the debate aimed at rethinking the way we live together. These exchanges contributed to the communication adopted today concerning the new European Bauhaus.

Co-creation will remain essential and will evolve based on the first concrete results, through assessments and reviews. The Commission will therefore continue to deepen its work with the new European Bauhaus community, which has more and more citizens, organizations and authorities supporting the initiative.

This movement is also inspired by aesthetic, sustainable and inclusive places and projects that exist in Europe. The first edition of the “New European Bauhaus” prize will celebrate these achievements by awarding prizes in ten categories, ranging from “products and art of living” to “reinvented places to meet and share”. The “Rising Stars of the New European Bauhaus” section, open exclusively to those under 30, supports the younger generation and encourages them to continue to develop innovative ideas and concepts. The awards ceremony will take place on September 16.

Several members of the College have expressed themselves on this subject:

The President of the Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, made the following statement: “The new European Bauhaus combines the grand vision of the Green Deal for Europe with concrete changes on the ground. Changes that improve our daily life and that everyone can perceive not only in buildings and public spaces, but also in fashion or furnishings. The new European Bauhaus aims to create a new art of living that combines sustainability and good design, requires less carbon, and is inclusive and affordable for all. ”

The Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Ms Mariya Gabriel, added for her part: “By building bridges between science and innovation, on the one hand, and art and culture, on the other, and taking a holistic approach, the new European Bauhaus will create solutions that are not only sustainable and innovative, but also accessible, affordable and beneficial to all of us. ”

Cohesion and Reform Commissioner Elisa Ferreira said: “Through its transdisciplinary and participatory approach, the new European Bauhaus strengthens the role of local and regional authorities, industries, innovators and creative minds who cooperate to improve our quality of life. Cohesion policy will make it possible to transform new ideas into concrete measures at local level ”.