President von der Leyen launches the New European Bauhaus

In a recent Press statement, the European Commission’s President, Ursula von der Leyen, presented “The New European Bauhaus” movement.

It is intended to be a bridge between the world of science and technology and the world of art and culture. This movement is about bringing the European Green Deal closer to people’s minds and homes, and making tangible the comfort and attractiveness of sustainable living.

To tackle poverty and cut emissions, and make the New Green Deal effective, the President refers to the need of “systemic change” in Europe, that includes innovation creativity, and space for cross-disciplinary discussions. 

It will be a forum for discussion, an experimentation lab, an accelerator for new solutions, a hub for global networks and experts, and a meeting place for citizens interested in the topic.”

The New European Bauhaus will be rolled out in 3 phases:

  • A design phase, to explore ideas and shape the movement, drawing on the expertise and engagement of designers, architects, artists, digital experts, scientists, entrepreneurs, engineers and students.
  • The delivery-phase starting with 5 New European Bauhaus projects in different EU Member States. All of them committed to sustainability, combined with art and culture each adapted to local conditions and with specific focus such as: natural building materials, energy efficiency, demographics, future-oriented mobility or resource-efficient digital innovation.
  • The third phase will be about spreading the ideas.
RECORDED Press statement by EC President Ursula von der LEYEN on the new European Bauhaus – © Copyright European Commission 2020

This Press statement allows us to be optimistic about the future of Europe, aknowledging that the New Bauhaus is very in line with the philosophy of STARTS, that is to bring together artists, researchers, innovators and technologists to explore new ethical and sustainable digital and technological solutions, human-centered, to address the current societal challenges and global concerns. We look forward to being part of the first steps of the movement.