In April, Stockholm Green Innovation District will host a conference focusing on the New European Bauhaus. In preparation for the event, we spoke with Rebecca Timm, Communications Strategist at the Stockholm Region’s EU Office in Brussels, about what the initiative entails and the opportunities it can create for Stockholm Green Innovation District (SGID).
“The New European Bauhaus is about creating sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful living environments for European citizens,” explains Rebecca Timm. “It is an initiative launched in 2021 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to bring the goals of the European Green Deal closer to the people of Europe.”
The New European Bauhaus is an initiative that unites science, culture, art, and technology to shape the cities and societies of the future. It goes beyond architecture and urban planning—it is about creating places where people thrive, participate, and where sustainability is an integral part of everyday life.
“The initiative invites citizens, experts, businesses, universities, and public authorities to collaborate on building a more sustainable and inclusive urban future. It provides a platform to unite different perspectives and develop innovative solutions.”
Stockholm Green Innovation District (SGID), with its focus on sustainable urban development, aligns closely with the values of the New European Bauhaus. According to Rebecca Timm, there are great opportunities for SGID to establish a stronger presence on the EU stage by becoming part of the New European Bauhaus network.
“By joining the New European Bauhaus network, SGID can strengthen its international visibility, apply for funding, and connect with new partners for future projects.”
The New European Bauhaus Festival – A Manifestation of the Initiative’s Spirit
A tangible example of the New European Bauhaus principles in action is the festival, which has taken place twice since the initiative’s launch. Stockholm Green Innovation District has participated in both editions, alongside the Stockholm Region’s EU Office, to present and showcase its work.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to gain visibility in a broader context and demonstrate that Sweden is at the forefront of sustainable urban development. The New European Bauhaus is about creating real change in our cities, and participating in these events is a way to showcase what we are already doing and establish new connections.”
New Funding Opportunities for Projects
A significant development is that the New European Bauhaus has received its own funding structure, launched in 2024, with resources allocated from the Horizon Europe research program.
“This gives the New European Bauhaus a much more concrete impact. Calls for proposals will be announced this spring, allowing stakeholders to apply for funding for their projects. This means there are now more opportunities than ever for SGID stakeholders to secure funding for their initiatives,” says Rebecca Timm.
At the conference in April, the New European Bauhaus will be discussed in a workshop focusing on opportunities and concrete funding applications. Rebecca looks forward to participating and sharing the latest updates on the initiative.
“It will be very exciting to discuss these new opportunities and how SGID can benefit from the New European Bauhaus. We are also awaiting an official EU roadmap, which will provide even greater clarity about the initiative’s future.”
“SGID has every opportunity to take a stronger position in the New European Bauhaus and showcase its work at the EU level. I sincerely hope that more stakeholders seize the chance to become part of this,” says Rebecca Timm.
The New European Bauhaus (NEB) is an initiative launched in 2021 by Ursula von der Leyen. Its goal is to create sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically appealing living environments in line with the European Green Deal. The initiative is built on three core principles: sustainability, beauty, and inclusion, and it targets a broad audience—from urban developers and architects to researchers, artists, businesses, and citizens.
The New European Bauhaus serves as a platform for collaboration and innovation in urban development and community planning.
EU’s website on the New European Bauhaus initiative
The Stockholm Region’s EU Office is a joint office in Brussels, owned by an association consisting of the City of Stockholm, the Stockholm Region, and the municipalities of Greater Stockholm as the main owners, along with Region Uppsala, Region Västmanland, Region Sörmland, Region Gotland, and the Mälardalen Council.
The office’s primary role is to monitor and influence EU legislation affecting the Stockholm region. This includes tracking political processes, analyzing the EU agenda, and working proactively to ensure that the region’s interests are represented. At the same time, the office actively engages in networking and collaboration with EU institutions, other regional offices, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen the Stockholm region’s voice on the European stage.
For more information, visit the office’s website or subscribe to its newsletter.
