On 15 April, the European Commission, together with the European Committee of the Regions, the State Chancellery of Saxony-Anhalt and the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation, brought together policymakers, local leaders and practitioners in Brussels to mark 100 years since the Bauhaus moved to Dessau and to reflect on its legacy through the New European Bauhaus (NEB).
The conference explored how the Bauhaus movement’s principles - combining design, functionality and social purpose - continue to resonate today, and how they live on through the New European Bauhaus to address Europe’s clean, digital and social transitions. Cities and regions were highlighted as key actors in turning this vision into concrete solutions on the ground.
Local and regional leadership driving the transition
Discussions throughout the event emphasised the role of local and regional authorities in shaping sustainable, inclusive and high-quality living environments. Participants highlighted that current challenges - from climate change to demographic and economic transitions - require solutions that are adapted to local contexts and driven by communities.
Particular attention was given to smaller municipalities and rural areas, which often face structural constraints but also offer strong potential for innovation. Strengthening their capacity to act and access support remains essential for ensuring a balanced transition across Europe.
Translating NEB principles into practice
The conference featured a keynote speech, high-level panels and contributions from pilot projects. A specific panel, featuring MEP Marcos Ros Sempere, focused on the pilot project “NEB Boost for Small Municipalities” and how NEB principles can be put into practice.
The discussion highlighted how smaller towns and rural communities can turn local assets into drivers of transformation, through collaboration, citizen engagement and innovative approaches.
Among the projects presented, Angeliki Kosma, representative of the Frasta School project in Tzoumerka, Greece, and winner of the first edition of the NEB Boost for Small Municipalities, illustrated how the transformation of a former school into a community space can revitalise local life and strengthen social cohesion.
A second panel explored place-based innovation across regions facing structural challenges. Anja Šerc, Director of the Regional Development Agency Zasavje in Slovenia, presented the experience of Zasavje in Slovenia, where a NEB-inspired approach is supporting new models of regional development in a territory undergoing industrial transition.
María José Rodríguez Carbajal, EU Affairs Adviser, Principality of Asturias shared the case of Asturias, Spain, where NEB values are being applied to revitalise rural communities by engaging local stakeholders and fostering sustainable development rooted in local realities.
Together, these examples demonstrated how the New European Bauhaus connects European priorities with concrete action on the ground.
Extending impact across regions and communities
The discussions in Brussels pointed to the need to further strengthen cooperation across governance levels and to ensure that support mechanisms remain accessible to all territories. Participants highlighted the importance of building on existing experiences, sharing knowledge and enabling the replication of successful approaches across regions.
As the initiative continues to evolve, the New European Bauhaus plays a role in supporting transitions that are not only sustainable, but also inclusive and rooted in local realities.
Quotes:
“We are now entering a new phase, expanding the NEB and its community, so that more people, in more places, can actively shape their future through participation, co-creation and innovation. This is why the New European Bauhaus matters. It is not nostalgia. It is renewal and a force for change, profoundly European in its spirit. The NEB projects are intended as a source of joined up community energy, of hope, conscious of our interdependence, our responsibility towards the planet and the need to leave no one behind. NEB projects translate these values through good design and experimentation.”
- Mikel LANDABASO, Director of Fair and Sustainable Economy, Joint Research Centre, European Commission
“The New European Bauhaus is tangible proof that innovation, competitiveness, democracy, sustainability, resilience, affordability and inclusion can go hand in hand.”
- Veronica Manfredi, Director of Zero Pollution, Water Resilience & Green Urban Transition at DG Environnent, European Commission
“This is where the NEB truly comes to life: through a place-based approach that connects European ambition with local reality. The NEB supports them with a shared vision: that every place, no matter its size, can lead the way towards a greener, fairer and more liveable Europe.”
- Davinia Wood, Director of Budget, Communication and General Affairs in DG REGIO, European Commission
Background
On 16 December 2025, the European Commission presented its plans for the future of the New European Bauhaus. Adopted as part of the European Affordable Housing Plan, the Communication “New European Bauhaus: From vision to implementation” and its accompanying proposal for a Council Recommendation set out the key actions to scale up the initiative and strengthen its role as a driver of the clean transition and innovation in Europe and beyond.
In this context, the NEB Boost for Small Municipalities supports smaller local authorities in developing projects aligned with New European Bauhaus values. For the second year, the European Union is launching this initiative to empower small municipalities by awarding 20 prizes. With the support of the European Parliament, the NEB Boost aims to help small players develop projects that are inclusive, sustainable and beautiful, by supporting them in overcoming early-stage barriers.
The initiative highlights the potential of local projects while increasing visibility and recognition for the municipalities behind them, ensuring that smaller communities can actively contribute to Europe’s transition.
Details
- Publication date
- 17 April 2026
- Author
- Joint Research Centre