The New European Bauhaus (NEB) is an initiative launched by the European Commission in 2020, inspired by the Bauhaus movement of the early 20th century. Its aim is to fuse sustainability, aesthetics and inclusivity to create living spaces that respond to today’s environmental challenges while being beautiful and functional.

What is NEB?

NEB aims to transform our societies by integrating sustainable solutions into our built environments. It is a creative, transdisciplinary movement that encourages innovation and collaboration between artists, designers, engineers, scientists and citizens. NEB supports projects that make the green transition enjoyable and accessible to all, with a focus on cultural diversity and local needs.

How is it funded?

As a cross-cutting initiative, funding comes from several European Union programs, including :

• Horizon Europe : This EU research and innovation program supports NEB’s “Research and Innovation” strand with an annual budget of 120 million euros.
• other EU programs (i.e. Cohesion policy, LIFE programme): NEB’s deployment component draws on support from other EU programs to fund solutions for transforming the built environment.

These mechanisms enable NEB to support a wide range of projects, from basic research to practical implementation, as well as local and community initiatives.

What’s in it for designers and creators ?

For a Belgian fashion designer or creator, the NEB offers several advantages:

1. access to ressources : NEB offers tools and advice for integrating sustainable practices into design: training courses, workshops and practical guides.
2. visibility and networking: Participating in NEB projects can provide a platform for showing your work to a European and international audience, or for collaborating with other professionals from different fields.
3. financial support : NEB offers funding opportunities for innovative projects that align sustainability and aesthetics to bring to fruition more ambitious projects that would otherwise have been limited by budget constraints.

How to find financing?

• Official Site : The NEB website provides information on calls for projects and available funding opportunities, with details of eligibility criteria and submission deadlines.
• Taking part in events : NEB organizes regular events and information sessions.
• Networking: Joining networks and communities of professionals involved in NEB can help to find partners for subsequent projects and access information on available funding.

Which financing?

1. The NEB Facility: This facility is a unique EU funding tool aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods through projects focused on sustainability and inclusion. It finances research, innovation and deployment projects, with an annual budget of 120 million euros for the period 2025-2027.
2. New European Bauhaus Prizes : Each year, NEB organizes a competition to reward innovative projects in various categories, such as reconnecting with nature, creating a sense of belonging, and creating circular industrial ecosystems. Winners receive financial support ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 euros, as well as communications assistance to promote their projects.
3. NEB Boost Initiative : Aimed at small municipalities, this initiative supports unfinished projects in the fields of renovation, heritage preservation and adaptation of public buildings and spaces. Selected projects receive financial support of 30,000 euros.