Good evening ladies and gentlemen, dear friends and dear tireless and growing community of the New European Bauhaus!
I always say that I have the best portfolio of all in the European Commission. This is very clear to me again tonight.
Before I come to the prizes, I want to announce a new design competition for architecture, design and art students.
The goal of the competition? To design a trophy that will be awarded to the winners of the New European Bauhaus Prizes in 2026.
The trophy should embody the New European Bauhaus values of sustainability, beauty, and togetherness – and the winning design will be unveiled during the NEB Festival 2026, next June.
Now, to the prizes. As the Commissioner responsible for the New European Bauhaus, I am honoured to introduce the Reconnecting with Nature category.
One of the guiding ideas of the New European Bauhaus is that we should design and shape our living spaces in a way that brings us closer to nature. Because we humans are part of nature after all, and at the same time we are the custodians of nature.
With our Prizes, we reward projects that work for our societies but that also work for nature. Even more than that, projects that help both humans and nature to thrive, in harmony.
And I am happy that we have managed to bring this New European Bauhaus spirit to other countries as well. I was in Japan last week and saw some amazing projects incorporating the NEB, including at the World Expo in Osaka.
This category celebrates projects that remind us that sustainability is not only about reducing our footprint - it is also about nurturing our bond with the ecosystems that sustain us.
The shortlisted projects in this category show us many paths toward that reconnection.
Whether in urban centres, rural landscapes, or community spaces, restoring the bond between people and nature is making our lives more sustainable, more joyful, more meaningful, and healthier.
Healthier for people and healthier for nature.
I thank all the finalists for their dedication and engagement, for their creativity and innovative ideas.
And it is now my great pleasure to present the winning projects in the category ‘Reconnecting with Nature.
The two runners-up in Strand A ‘Champions and Strand B ‘Rising Stars in the category ‘Reconnecting with Nature are Green Elderly Care, nature & well-being from Belgium and Vielwald from Germany: Congratulations!
The winner in Strand A ‘Champions in the category ‘Reconnecting with Nature is: Green Axes and Squares of Barcelonas Eixample from Spain Congratulations!
The winner in Strand B ‘Rising Stars in the category ‘Reconnecting with Nature is: Pollino from Hungary Congratulations!
