New European Bauhaus – where are we heading?

Five years ago, President Ursula von der Leyen launched the New European Bauhaus (NEB).

It was created for Europe’s built environment to face the growing challenges of:

• Resource overconsumption
• A shortage of affordable housing
• Underuse and inefficiency in existing buildings

Since then, NEB has had a leading role in shaping numerous initiatives across Europe:

✔️ The Affordable Housing Initiative is now defined as an NEB flagship
✔️ The NEB Academy is building capacity for sustainable construction
✔️ Dozens of European and local NEB projects have received funding from 2020 to 2025
✔️ The NEB Facility is a new multi‑annual funding tool to support the NEB for 2025–2027.

Through this thousands of urban transformations have been designed and implemented at local level, and – zooming out – the first big waves of building a European wide movement has taking place since 2020.

As the challenges remain, it’s time to ask ourselves:

• • • How do we make sure that NEB remains relevant and a movement to bring forward the much needed urban transformation?
    • How can we expand a European initiative, sharing and scaling local NEB empowered experimentation and learning?
    • Where does the greatest potential lie, and how can we integrate NEB into future architectural practice as well as urban planning and development?

BLOX invites you to an event that reflects on the past five years of NEB. Through keynote talks, a fireside panel debate, and a hands-on co-design workshop, we’ll explore how NEB values are being activated across Europe — from built environments and biodiversity to social inclusion and new aesthetics.

Meet experts, practitioners, and changemakers from the three New European Bauhaus Lighthouse projects; Designing the Irresistable Circular Society (Desire), Bauhaus of the Sea Sails (BoSS), and Eyes, Hearts, Hands Urban Revolution (EHHUR), be inspired and take part in shaping the future of NEB through cross-sector, cross-cultural dialogue.

Programme:

Please note that the first part of the event (15.00 to 16.15) will be both online and open to participants in BLOX, Copenhagen.

This event is for urban planners, policymakers, private and public organizations engaged in urban development, thought leaders, and everyone with a keen interest in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive and beautiful future!

Practical Information
📍Location: BLOX, BLOXHUB Members Lounge, Bryghuspladsen 8, 3rd. floor, Copenhagen
📅 Date: September 10, 2025
🕛 Time: 15:00–18:30
🎥 Format: Hybrid (in-person + online)
🌐 Language: English

We look forward to welcoming you online — or in person at BLOX, Copenhagen.

Sign up here