Organised by the European Commission, the conference provided a platform to debate strategies and concrete solutions for a green recovery, highlighting the central role of the New European Bauhaus in facilitating the sustainable reconstruction.
With the attendance of high-level speakers including Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, EU Commissioners Iliana Ivanova and Virginijus Sinkevičius, Ukrainian Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Ruslan Strilets, and Lithuanian Minister of Environment Simonas Gentvilas, the 4-day Ukraine Green Recovery Conference took stock of the EU’s actions and initiatives in support of the green reconstruction of Ukraine.
At the forefront of the sustainable reconstruction, the New European Bauhaus was a central theme at the conference, highlighting its key role and expert network. Beyond its values and principles, the New European Bauhaus connects ongoing initiatives and creates creative solutions to ensure that reconstruction is not only affordable and sustainable but also centred around people's needs.
Expertise and practical help from the New European Bauhaus network
Several discussions during the conference highlighted the importance of the PHOENIX initiative, launched by the EU Commission in February 2023 to assist Ukraine in rebuilding its cities in the spirit of the New European Bauhaus. It specifically targets policymakers and civil society in Ukraine, aiming to facilitate green recovery by integrating the principles of the EU Green Deal with the practical aspects of living spaces.
As part of the PHOENIX initiative, the EU Commission launched the New European Bauhaus capacity-building programme for the reconstruction of Ukraine in partnership with Ukrainian organisations. It has already provided both inspiration and practical assistance to municipalities involved in the reconstruction of Ukraine. Furthermore, the EU Commission has called for two projects under PHOENIX for Ukraine’s reconstruction, aligning with the values of the New European Bauhaus and receiving funding from the LIFE programme.
Guidance and inspiration through projects on the ground
The Ukraine Green Recovery Conference not only provided a platform to discuss strategies and solutions for a green recovery but also showcased concretely what a sustainable reconstruction, in line with the New European Bauhaus, can look like. Several projects were featured during the conference, including bottom-up initiatives from the European Union’s LIFE programme. These projects underscore the key added value of combining sustainability, design, and inclusion in line with the values of the New European Bauhaus.
The LIFE-funded project Lugo + Biodinámico, for example, implements an innovative urban planning strategy in the Spanish city of Lugo to create a greener and healthier place for citizens, providing new opportunities for development. Another LIFE-funded project, ECO TILES by the Università degli Studi di Camerino, focuses on sustainable building materials by producing terrazzo tiles made from up to 70% recycled material.
The projects showcased during the conference are not the only ones leading by example for sustainable reconstruction. Numerous other projects across Europe, aligned with the values of the New European Bauhaus, serve as sources of inspiration for a green reconstruction.
In France, the R-Urban project, winner of the New European Bauhaus Prizes, promotes the regeneration of urban land in deprived neighbourhoods, based on eco-designed hubs, built mostly from locally sourced and recycled material. In these “reversible” hubs, which can be easily dismantled and relocated for use in different locations, locals can find cultivations plots, training programmes and cooking sessions using vegetables grown onsite.
Another New European Bauhaus Prizes winner, Gleis 21 from Austria, creates a lively, sustainable, participatory neighbourhood within large-scale urban developments. By using innovative construction methods and eco-friendly materials, the project combines sustainability with social inclusion and well-being.
Guiding the way through impactful project exemplars is crucial, as they not only inspire but also empower Ukraine to build back better. These examples offer valuable insights for the reconstruction efforts, emphasising Ukraine's active ownership in the process.
The New European Bauhaus networks keeps committed
A sustainable reconstruction is key to ensuring Ukraine's prosperity, resource autonomy, and the quality of life for Ukrainians once the war is over. Given the devastating impact of the war on Ukrainian citizens and the environment, the EU's commitment to continued cooperation and assistance to Ukraine is crucial. Now, more than ever, the country needs innovative solutions to build back better and greener. In the spirit of the New European Bauhaus, we have the chance to turn the aftermath of war into opportunities, building in a future for Ukraine that is beautiful, sustainable and inclusive.
More information
Website – New European Bauhaus Actions for Ukraine
News Announcement - Rebuilding Ukrainian cities: new Phoenix initiative to mobilise expertise and at least EUR 7 million
Press Release – New European Bauhaus: launch of capacity-building programme to start Ukraine's reconstruction
Press Release – Ukraine: College of Commissioners travels to Kyiv to boost EU support and sectorial cooperation with Ukraine
Factsheet – EU solidarity with Ukraine - meeting between the College of Commissioners and the Ukrainian government
Details
- Publication date
- 15 December 2023
- Author
- Joint Research Centre