Von der Leyen: New European Bauhaus Is Building a More Sustainable and Democratic Europe!

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen opened the Festival of the New European Bauhaus 2026, saying Europe must continue building — but build differently. Speaking at the opening ceremony, von der Leyen said Europe has always been a continent of builders, from cathedrals and railways to the European Union itself. But she warned that today’s world is changing fast, with geopolitical shocks, extreme weather events and threats to democracy from extremists inside and outside Europe. Von der Leyen said this means Europe must build in a way that is more sustainable, more resilient, better connected, inclusive and beautiful. She said the New European Bauhaus has grown into a real movement, with more than 700 projects, over 2,000 organisations and millions of people involved from Europe to Brazil and Japan. She highlighted circular economy projects, including Cypriot entrepreneurs turning discarded olive pits into sustainable design materials, and announced an additional €50 million for the New European Bauhaus Academy over the next two years. Von der Leyen also linked the movement to Ukraine’s reconstruction, saying the first international Bauhaus Academy hub has been launched in Ukraine and that Europe will help turn rubble into recovery. On housing, she said the crisis is one of the most urgent challenges facing Europeans, stressing that the solution is not only to build more, but to build better: homes that are affordable, sustainable and truly livable. Her message was clear: the New European Bauhaus is about more than buildings. It is about circularity, skills, housing, democracy, community and a Europe where people can live, work, belong and build the future together. #UrsulaVonDerLeyen #NewEuropeanBauhaus #EuropeanCommission #Europe #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #Housing #Ukraine #Democracy #Innovation #CleanTransition #EUdebates