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This was the guiding philosophy of the third edition of the Festival of the New European Bauhaus, held from 9 to 13 June 2026 at the Art & History Museum and Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels. The biennial event was organised by the European Commission to showcase how the clean transition could be brought to our built environments, improving everyday life for everyone through sustainability, inclusion, and beauty. This edition brought together more than 4,000 participants, over 60 exhibitors, and featured more than 200 satellite events across Europe and beyond.
The Festival’s Purpose and Themes
The Festival was a biennial celebration that took stock of the NEB’s progress and invited communities to reimagine their living spaces. Its goal was to demonstrate how an inclusive, sustainable, and high-quality built environment could foster community, strengthen resilience, and boost competitiveness.
The 2026 edition focused on two central themes:
Democratic Engagement: Highlighting how citizens could be actively involved in shaping their communities. High-level discussions explored the crucial role of citizen participation in restoring trust in public institutions and strengthening community cohesion. The NEB approach, which builds with and for citizens, was illustrated by examples from Ukraine, where the NEB method is helping to rebuild social resilience and a sense of belonging in communities affected by war.
Affordable Housing: The shortage of affordable housing in Europe was a central topic of debate. European Council President António Costa presented it as a key factor driving citizen disillusionment. The Festival showcased NEB projects that provide tangible, sustainable, and inclusive housing solutions for local communities. Discussions also highlighted the potential of renovating existing heritage, vacant buildings, and office spaces as a more sustainable, low-carbon alternative to new construction.
The Four Pillars of the Festival
The programme was structured around four key pillars:
Forum: A platform for engaging discussions and the exchange of ideas on the future of Europe’s built environment. It brought together policymakers, experts, and community leaders to debate the challenges and opportunities facing our cities and neighbourhoods.
Fair: A living laboratory and exhibition showcasing over 60 projects and prototypes that embodied NEB values. Visitors could explore innovative solutions in sustainable materials, circular design, and inclusive architecture. The Fair served as a meeting point for project leaders, researchers, and designers to present their work to a European audience.
Fest: A vibrant cultural celebration that united art, music, dance, and hands-on creative workshops for all ages. Highlights included flamenco adapted for deaf audiences, recycled fabric tapestry workshops, and performances by international artists. The Fest programme featured 40 live performances by more than 100 artists from 18 countries, filling the Parc du Cinquantenaire with creativity and joy.
Satellite Events: Independent events across Europe and beyond that extended the conversation to local communities. For instance, Spain hosted 14 events between June 9 and 14, including workshops, festivals, and forums in cities like Murcia, Madrid, and Barcelona. A notable satellite event in Delft, the Netherlands, co-organised by the Minority Report Project, focused on climate-resilient urban regeneration and participatory governance.
Key Milestones and Announcements
The Festival Forum marked several significant milestones for the NEB initiative:
€50 Million for the NEB Academy: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an additional €50 million for the NEB Academy over the next two years, reinforcing its role as a hub for skills, knowledge, and innovation in the built environment.
New Funding through EIT: The EIT Community announced €6 million in new funding through the NEB Academy, driven by its Knowledge and Innovation Community, EIT Culture & Creativity.
NEB Blueprints Launch: A new catalogue of NEB blueprints on affordable and resilient homes was officially launched, providing practical guidance for communities and policymakers.
NEB Trophy Winner Revealed: Commissioner Jessika Roswall announced the winner of the first-ever NEB Trophy design competition. The winning design, Aurora by Luca Ambrosi from Italy, features ascending, interlocking acrylic plates in the NEB’s signature colours, symbolising hope and renewal.
NEB Prizes Public Vote: Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto opened the public vote for the NEB Prizes 2026, which remained open until 10 July.
Looking Ahead: Circularity and Global Expansion
Commissioner Jessika Roswall closed the debates by highlighting the immense, untapped potential of circularity in the construction sector, noting that currently, only 1% of demolition materials are reused. The NEB demonstrates that beauty, inclusion, and sustainability are not opposing goals but mutually reinforcing ones.
The Festival also set the direction for the NEB’s future, with plans for international expansion, including a first hub in Ukraine and prospects for hubs in Japan and Brazil.
When Is the Next Festival?
The New European Bauhaus Festival is a biennial event, meaning it takes place every two years. The first edition was held in 2022, and this was the third edition. The next Festival is scheduled for 2028.
Photos: Official photos from the Festival can be found on the New European Bauhaus website’s press and media section.