NEB_FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New European Bauhaus (NEB).
What is the core idea of the NEB?
The EU initiative “New European Bauhaus” (NEB) was launched in September 2020 by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and presents itself as a creative, cross-disciplinary initiative aimed at shaping an attractive and sustainable living environment at the intersection of art, culture, social inclusion, science, and technology. Through participatory and cultural transformation, the New European Bauhaus aims to make a significant contribution to the implementation of the European Green Deal. The central aspects of the NEB are sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusivity.https://europa.eu/new-european-bauhaus/index_en).
What connects the New European Bauhaus (NEB) with the Just Transition Fund, and why does it play such an important role for the Central German mining region?
In connection with the profound ecological, economic, and social structural transition taking place as part of the coal phase-out, the Central German mining region in Saxony-Anhalt is also facing a cultural transformation, which is to be initiated and accompanied within the framework of the European New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative. The goal is to develop (urban development) projects as prototypes and, following the example of the historic Bauhaus, to establish a model region of Bauhaus innovation that continues to position Europe as a strong, interconnected, and inclusive space of possibilities for aesthetic experience and insight, set within sustainably designed, inspiring living environments.
Sachsen-Anhalt nutzt den europäischen Fonds für einen gerechten Übergang, den Just Transition Fund (JTF), um die europäische NEB-Initiative in der sachsen-anhaltischen Kohleregion finanziell zu untersetzen. In der EU-Förderperiode 2021 – 2027 sollen die am stärksten von der Energiewende betroffenen Regionen beim sozialen, ökologischen und wirtschaftlichen Übergang zu einer grünen und klimaneutralen Wirtschaft unterstützt werden. Für Sachsen-Anhalt stehen aus dem JTF insgesamt 364 Mio. EUR zur Verfügung, für das Neue Europäische Bauhaus 38 Mio. EUR.
In the Central German mining region in Saxony-Anhalt, measures are to be implemented to test, for example, recyclable and sustainable building materials, low-emission “low-tech” approaches, and exemplary identity-forming, community-oriented project initiatives, and to strengthen the commitment of people and businesses to the region.
Where can further information about the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and other EU funds be found?
On the website of the state, you can find the short profile of the ERDF/JTF, which includes the budget allocation for the ERDF/JTF programme. The programme serves as the basis for establishing specific funding guidelines. In the Territorial Just Transition Plan (TJTP – starting from p. 140), the negative impacts of the coal phase-out, the resulting development needs, and the types of planned projects are outlined.
Where can the legal framework and application documents for the funding be found?
The funding guideline and the associated funding principles for research, including the specific funding provisions, will be accessible on the website of the Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt once the funding begins. In addition, regular updates will be shared on the websites and, if applicable, the social media channels of Neue Bauhäusler, the State of Saxony-Anhalt, the respective ministries, and the Investitionsbank (IB).
Living labs vs. applied projects?
Through the Just Transition Fund (JTF), both investment and non-investment measures and community-oriented projects related to the New European Bauhaus (NEB) can be supported during the current funding period 2021–2027. These can take the form of either “applied NEB projects” or “NEB living labs.” The central focus is on exploring how the fields of construction, work, and life can develop new, sustainable solutions for future ways of living without relying on the processes and products associated with lignite processing (e.g., gypsum).
In the case of applied NEB projects, the focus is on the conception and implementation of initiatives that, in accordance with NEB requirements, create opportunities and places for exchange to develop and shape future ways of living. On the one hand, smaller construction measures can be funded, with interdisciplinary networks supporting the further development and initial application of new, sustainable building materials as well as the recycling of existing building stock. At the same time, it is important to educate and qualify people to work with alternative building materials and substances. Participatory formats and co-creation are key components of the projects to be funded, and civil society must actively shape and implement these projects. Children and young people should be introduced to sustainable career paths that contribute to successful transformation processes.
In the case of the NEB living lab, comprehensive investment and non-investment measures are undertaken to demonstrate and disseminate new approaches in the construction sector across a designated area. Prototype building, renovation, and neighborhood projects are implemented as models, testing sustainable and circular materials and methods through co-design and co-creation processes. Different disciplines such as science, art, culture, technology, and craftsmanship work together following the example of the historic Bauhaus.
Why can only collaborative projects be funded, and what should these networks look like?
A key characteristic of the New European Bauhaus is the connection of different perspectives and approaches. The knowledge, skills, and competencies of various disciplines (such as art, science, craftsmanship, business, administration, and culture) are brought together, as was already the case at the historic Bauhaus, to work collaboratively toward a common goal and solution.
For the funding of NEB initiatives under the JTF, the concept of collaboration is fundamental. Interdisciplinary collaborative projects involving different stakeholder groups are preferred. However, in principle, two associations or two universities can also jointly submit an application.
Why can't companies submit an application to the JTF for a NEB project?
What do we need to do for a successful application for our NEB project?
Project stakeholders need to form a network and jointly develop their project outline. For essential questions regarding funding conditions, the NEB Network Office can provide support, including helping to embed the NEB criteria into the project idea.
For applied NEB projects, the proposal is reviewed by the Investitionsbank to assess its eligibility and suitability for funding after submission. In the case of NEB living labs, a preliminary jury process takes place, during which the overall project description and the individual subproject outlines are submitted to the jury. The jury decides on the funding eligibility of the projects according to the selection criteria. After a positive jury decision, the application can be submitted to the Investitionsbank. Once approved, beneficiaries receive a grant notification (or, in the case of public universities in Saxony-Anhalt, an allocation letter). Projects under the applied NEB projects and NEB living labs can have a duration of up to 36 months. All projects must be completed and accounted for by June 30, 2027. In justified exceptional cases, the project duration for subprojects within a NEB living lab may be extended to 42 months if necessary to achieve the goals of the collaborative project. A final audit of the use of funds is then carried out by the granting authority.
How high can the funding amount be?
The EU and the State of Saxony-Anhalt aim to provide 100% funding. However, due to state aid regulations and the use of simplified cost options, the funding rate may be lower. The NEB Network Office and the funding advisors at the Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt can provide guidance in this regard.
It should also be noted that for construction projects submitted by municipal sponsors with a budget of 3 million EUR or more, a technical construction review is required, which significantly increases the time required. For other sponsors, the threshold is 1.5 million EUR. Moreover, construction projects are not automatically eligible for funding—they must explicitly comply with the NEB criteria.
What is the difference between measure – initiative – project?
The funding for the NEB is a funding measure. Within this framework, funds can be requested for initiatives. These initiatives may consist of individual projects.