The New European Bauhaus is changing the landscape of our cities and countryside. From education to working conditions and leisure time, it can improve our quality of life. Today, the S&Ds voted in favour of a report on this initiative that brings architecture to the centre of interdisciplinary approaches - a result of the joint efforts of the EP committees on culture and education (CULT), and industry, research and energy (ITRE).

This report is the answer of the European Parliament members to shape the future of this important initiative launched nearly two years ago with the communication of the European Commission. 

Marcos Ros Sempere, S&D MEP, EP negotiator on the matter in the committee on culture and education, said:

“For years, we have been spending money on renovating buildings to make them less polluting. However, we need to think beyond this: is it ethical to continue investing large amounts of public money just to improve the energy efficiency of buildings without also improving the lives of people who live in them? With the same investment, we can use these funds to improve our quality of life by transforming our spaces to suit our needs. The New European Bauhaus is this paradigm shift. In this report, we are asking the Commission to move from an initiative to a programme with an own budget. A new programme with clear criteria to promote the adaptation of our spaces and buildings to these changes through energy efficiency, beauty, inclusion, and allocating funds to the people who need it most. We say “Yes” to energy efficiency, but we also add beauty and social engagement to it.”

Patriza Toia, S&D MEP and negotiator in the committee on industry, research and energy, said:

We, Socialists and Democrats, support the New European Bauhaus as this initiative can help to decarbonise our economies and reach climate neutrality by 2050, also by fostering energy efficiency and promoting the use of sustainable materials. This idea embodies everything we believe in - it works for the people, is good for the environment and is inclusive and creative in its nature. With this major initiative, Europe wants to revive the world of creativity and design by bringing it into dialogue with sustainability and the ecological revolution.”