Opening of the NEB TF meeting

Bridging EU policy and regional practice: insights on local implementation of the New European Bauhaus

On 11 June 2025 the ERRIN New European Bauhaus (NEB) Task Force, in cooperation with the North-East Romania Regional Development Agency, hosted a meeting under the theme 'Policies and Practices for Successful NEB Implementation: Learnings from Local Stakeholders' at the ERRIN Office in Brussels.

The event brought together regional and local stakeholders from across Europe to explore the latest developments in the NEB initiative and share hands-on experiences in embedding NEB principles into regional strategies and community-level projects. It also provided the opportunity to introduce the NEB Facility - the new multiannual funding tool for the NEB, and the forthcoming NEB Junction project, in which ERRIN is a consortium partner.

Welcome words, NEB TF event, 11 June 2025

 

The meeting opened with a welcome address from the co-organisers, followed by a keynote update on the State of Play of NEB implementation delivered by Vera Winthagen from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. As the Head of NEB Unit, which plays a key role in guiding and monitoring the NEB initiative, she offered a detailed overview of current progress, policy alignment, and the future outlook of the NEB across Europe. The intervention provided participants with crucial insights into how EU-level direction and research are supporting practical implementation across regions.

JRC presentation, NEB TF event, 11 June 2025

 

Bridging Policy and Practice

Participants then explored how NEB values – sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion – are being integrated into regional policies and funding programmes, including synergies between the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Horizon Europe and other mechanisms. The presentations from regional representatives of Saxony-Anhalt, South Tyrol and North-East Romania highlighted the importance of designing funding frameworks that are accessible, transparent and aligned with NEB priorities. Discussions addressed common challenges such as the complexity of application processes and the need for clearer guidance on eligible activities and beneficiaries.

 

A second session focused on local-level implementation, showcasing examples of NEB-related projects that work directly with communities. Presenters from Stavanger region (NEB-STAR), City of Ghent, Extremadura (Fundación Repoblación, RuralNEXT) and Catalunya (Masquefa City Council, ELDERS), shared lessons from initiatives involving urban transformation, rural revitalisation and participatory design processes. Emphasis was placed on the importance of citizen involvement, cross-sector collaboration and capacity-building to ensure lasting local impact.

Local initiatives, NEB TF event, 11 June 2025

 

Looking Ahead

The event also featured the announcement of the NEB Junction project, an upcoming Horizon Europe project, in which ERRIN is one of the consortium members. As the new NEB Hub for Impact and Results, the NEB Junction will act as a cornerstone for knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement, bringing together the initiatives, actors, and their impact that have sprung from the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative to date.

The meeting concluded with closing reflections and a networking lunch, offering participants the opportunity to build new connections and explore collaboration opportunities.

By centring regional voices and community-based experiences, the event reaffirmed the importance of grounded, place-based action in delivering on the NEB’s ambitious vision. The Joint Research Centre’s strategic insights, combined with grassroots experiences, laid a strong foundation for future cooperation and progress.

Group photo, NEB TF event, 11 June 2025

 

The Agenda and Presentations from the event can be found on the right side of the webpage.


Please note: Access to the documents is available for ERRIN Members. Please log in to access the documents.

To learn more about the NEB Facility, you are kindly invited to access one of the following resources: