Honourable Members,
Commissioners,
Prize finalists,
Dear friends,
My heartfelt congratulations to you all. Whether you are competing for a prize, or supporting the New European Bauhaus. Because this is your day.
The New European Bauhaus has come so far in just five years. And that is only because of you. We now have over 700 projects across Europe and beyond. Worth more than 740 million euros. Involving more than 1,900 organisations. And more and more projects are starting every year. This is only because you dare to dream about a better future for living and working. About stronger communities that bring people together. About more sustainable and energy-efficient living environments. Above all, about a world which puts people first. Because these are the values of the New European Bauhaus - beautiful, sustainable and inclusive.
Every year I am so impressed by the creativity in this competition. Your projects inspire us to think in a new way about the places around us. Where we work, live, and spend time with each other. And for many people, the most important place is their home. So I am really pleased with this years special housing prize. It will help us to think about solutions to the housing crisis in a new way. And it is an inspiration for our work on a European Housing Plan. Our goal is to make housing more affordable, sustainable, and better quality. These are also the goals of the New European Bauhaus. Because a home is not just four walls and a roof. It is safety and warmth, a place for family and friends. It is belonging.
Dear friends,
The New European Bauhaus brings people together in the spirit of creation and community. So please enjoy your special moment. I regret that I cant be with you today. But I really look forward to meeting you in person at next years New European Bauhaus festival in Brussels. Thank you for all that we have achieved together in just five years. I am excited about what we can do in the next five.
Long live Europe!
