New European Bauhaus Pilot Project Proposal financially supports small initiatives in line with the EU's green and digital transitions.

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) in partnership with the European Parliament held a pivotal workshop, on 11 October, to discuss the Pilot Project Proposal titled "Stimulating Local and Regional New European Bauhaus Grassroots Projects". This project is aimed at bridging the gap in financial support for smaller, grassroots NEB projects across Europe.

The workshop panel was attended by MEP Marcos Ros Sempere (ES/S&D), Ruth Reichstein Advisor of the European Commission's President for the NEB, Alina Ujupan, Head of Unit of the Joint Research Center (JRC), Tanya Hristova (BG/EPP), Mayor of Gabrovo, Kieran McCarthy (IE/EA), Mayor of Cork and Robert Reck, Mayor of Dessau.

Tanya Hristova (BG/EPP), Chair of the SEDEC Commission, CoR, remarked during her introduction, "The European Union has always been about collective progress, and with this Pilot Project, we’re focusing on the grassroots - where true innovation often begins."

Marcos Ros, as MEP promoter of the Pilot Project proposal explained that “the NEB Funding Advisory Hub would aim to be a meeting place for local projects and promoters offering funding opportunities, and the NEB Lab Voucher Scheme would consist of vouchers provided to small-scale grassroots projects proposed by both local and regional authorities”.

Alina Ujupan, stressed that "in less than three years since its launch, the New European Bauhaus has transformed into a mature initiative with a diverse and dynamic community. Policy tools must now align with this growth and dynamics. A potential New European Bauhaus Mission anchored in R&I, because NEB is pioneering new solutions, ways of thinking and ways of doing, would give the initiative a vision of development and direction for a decade. With a focus on circularity, social innovation and sustainable funding, it can serve as a blueprint for creative, meaningful change within neighbourhoods on the ground."

Ruth Reichstein, spoke about the future of the New European Bauhaus. She emphasized, “Co-creation has been a key element of the New European Bauhaus since its launch, driven by the multitude of stories and individuals supporting the initiative. As we look to the future, this collaborative spirit remains at the core of the initiative, shaping our path forward with a standing open invitation for all to contribute. We have our vision, a clear direction in mind, and it is the input of people that will shape this vision and ensure the New European Bauhaus is present where real needs exist on the ground."

At the event, a connection between the New European Bauhaus and the Bauhaus in Dessau was also established. Moreover, there was a strong emphasis on the pivotal role of small city mayors in leveraging NEB principles to attain success in implementing the Green Deal.

Thomas Wobben, Director for Legislative Works, CoR, concluded the workshop by emphasizing the importance of tangible support for local and regional grassroots initiatives and expressing optimism for the outcomes the Pilot Project promises to deliver.

For more information on the NEB Pilot Project and the workshop, please contact the SEDEC secretariat: Alexandra.Bozini@cor.europa.eu​