New European Bauhaus aims to bring the EU Green Deal to life
The New European Bauhaus initiative connects the European Green Deal to living spaces, calling on Europeans to build a sustainable and inclusive future. It will bring a cultural aspect to the Green Deal, aiming to demonstrate how sustainable innovation can positively impact daily life.
In this context, the Commission has adopted a concept for the New European Bauhaus. This includes a number of policy actions and funding possibilities. It also includes the New European Bauhaus Lab, which is a ‘think and do tank' to test new tools, solutions and policy recommendations. The Lab will continue the movement's collaborative spirit that aims to bring society, industry and political actors together.
The project aims to accelerate the transformation of economic sectors such as construction and textiles to make them circular and less carbon-intensive. There will be €85 million dedicated to New European Bauhaus projects in 2021 and 2022. Other EU programmes will also integrate the New European Bauhaus.
Funding will come from the Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation, the LIFE programme and the European Regional Development Fund.
In addition to this, the Commission will invite the EU Member States to use the New European Bauhaus to mobilise their recovery and resilience plans. The Commission will also establish a New European Bauhaus Lab called a ‘think and do tank' to test new tools, solutions and policy ideas.
Speaking of the initiative, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “The New European Bauhaus combines the big vision of the European Green Deal with tangible change on the ground. Change that improves our daily life and that people can touch and feel - in buildings, in public spaces, but also in fashion or furniture. The New European Bauhaus aims at creating a new lifestyle that matches sustainability with good design, that needs less carbon and that is inclusive and affordable for all.”
Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Commissioner Mariya Gabriel said: “By bridging science and innovation with art and culture, and taking a holistic approach, the New European Bauhaus will create solutions that are not only sustainable and innovative, but also accessible, affordable, and life-enhancing for us all.”
Out of 60 shortlisted projects, awards have been given in 10 different categories. The winners of each category will receive €30,000. For the ‘New European Bauhaus Rising Stars' 10 prizes of €15,000 each are awarded to support concepts and ideas developed by people under 30 years old.
The project is now in the delivery phase which includes networking and knowledge sharing from September 2021 onwards. Find out more about the initiative and winning projects here.
