SOFIA – The European Commission (EC) has announced the launch of three competitive procedures for the third edition of the New European Bauhaus Festival, scheduled to take place in Brussels from June 9 to 13, 2026, according to the EC press service.
This festival is held biennially, aiming to foster change through the green transition that enhances the quality of life for Europeans.
The 2026 festival will emphasize the transformative role of democratic participation in building more inclusive and sustainable communities. It will demonstrate the ways in which citizens and local authorities can actively engage in shaping their surroundings, particularly highlighting affordable housing as a crucial element of democratic participation, as noted by the organizers.
The calls for expressions of interest cover three festival program components: a fair showcasing projects aligned with New European Bauhaus values; a festival merging culture, art, and entertainment; and satellite events that reflect these values, which will be independently organized in Brussels, throughout Europe, and beyond. The proposal submission deadlines are September 30, 2025, for the fair and festival, and December 31, 2025, for the satellite events.
The New European Bauhaus initiative, linked to the EU Green Deal, seeks to translate the deal into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives through sustainable solutions for transforming built environments and lifestyles towards a better future within the green transition, merging sustainability with quality design that minimizes carbon footprint. Additionally, it aims to ensure these solutions are inclusive, accessible, and affordable for all while honoring the diversity of places, traditions, and cultures.
The New European Bauhaus, introduced as part of the European Green Deal by EC President Ursula von der Leyen in her 2020 State of the Union address, is being developed with input from thousands of citizens and organizations across Europe and beyond, according to the organizers.
The Bulgarian project “The Park” (Concrete to Culture) by the “Collective” foundation received recognition at last year’s fourth edition of the “New European Bauhaus” awards, finishing as a runner-up in the “New European Bauhaus for Champions” category for “Restoring the Sense of Belonging.” A project from the Bulgarian foundation “Collective” was also honored in 2023.
The Bulgarian Telegraph Agency is a partner of the EC for the New European Bauhaus and for the Festival. (August 26)
Leave a Reply