Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

It is a very special moment for me to celebrate with you today. Five years ago, I announced a New European Bauhaus for the 21st century. The idea was to create living spaces which are beautiful, sustainable and inclusive; to bring people together, in the spirit of creation and community. And today – thanks to all of you – the first building of the European Commission will be constructed based on the principles of the New European Bauhaus. What a journey. What a success.

Here in Seville, the incredible new headquarters for the Joint Research Centre will bring the values of the New European Bauhaus to life. Firstly, if you have seen the model, it is beautiful – the stunning design blends the traditional style of Andalucía, of pergolas and open spaces, with a modern vision. Secondly, it is sustainable – the canopy of solar panels makes this our first net-zero emissions building. Imagine, it will generate much more power than it needs itself. Therefore, it feeds energy back into the grid. Now let us do the calculation: Within just 18 years, the building will save as much carbon as was used in construction. This is the sort of innovative thinking we need to make Europe climate-neutral. And finally, it is inclusive – and it is wonderful to see the whole community here today, representatives, the authorities celebrating with us. The pergolas and spaces will be open to the community. The JRC will bring Europe even closer to the people, the local community is invited to join and enjoy.

Dear friends,

Of course, all good things take time, and the new JRC headquarters is no exception. I have brought the original ‘birth certificate of the New European Bauhaus. I launched it in my State of the Union speech in 2020. So today, I leave you a signed copy of that same speech. I will hand it over to Ekaterina Zaharieva.

We must remember: In 2020, the New European Bauhaus was just an idea, a vision, a few lines of text, nothing else. Today, there are almost 700 projects across Europe, pioneered by more than 1 900 partners and friends and an incredible EUR 740 million of funding invested. And it is historic, because here in Seville, it is taking shape before your very eyes for the very first time.

Thank you JRC, thank you Seville. I am so grateful that you are the first to host the first climate-neutral building of New European Bauhaus. Let us celebrate this moment.