“We will reconstruct Ukraine. We have to and we will do that. The reconstruction, owned by Ukraine, should be done in the spirit of the New European Bauhaus. There are urban planners, architects, engineers fully on board and the NEB concept will inspire them. Our vision is to turn the destruction of war into opportunities to build a beautiful and healthy future for Ukraine.”
President Ursula von der Leyen
Following the visit of Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, accompanied by 15 Commissioners, to Kyiv on 2nd of February, and EU-Ukraine Summit of 3rd of February, as well as the visit of Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius on 16/17 February, the Commission has launched the New European Bauhaus capacity-development programme.
The New European Bauhaus in simple words…
The New European Bauhaus (NEB) is the project launched by President von der Leyen in the economic, cultural and environmental spheres. The project is focused on community development and implementation of the European Green Deal.
This initiative aims at both providing inspiration and practical aid for the local communities involved in the reconstructions and rebuilding of Ukraine. In simple words, the purpose is TO PROTECT, TO SAVE AND TO MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY.
What To Expect in April?
· Module 1: introduction of feasible cooperation models and the ways to insure the inclusiveness of this process. Analysis of best practices when it comes to assessment and distribution of resources, participatory tools and funding possibilities.
· Module 2: possibilities for the stable and inclusive reconstruction in Ukraine.
· Module 3: case study into the lack of accommodation and the general situation with the housing provision in Ukraine.
Based on the above three modules, the further needs will be deliberated and subsequent measures will be taken by the Commission and Ukrainian partners to support the reconstruction process backed up by the New European Bauhaus community.
And the NEB is not only about sharing values and principles; in perspective, it is one of the most powerful unifying initiatives. The NEB ensures the basic outlines in compliance with the EU policies and links stable development, social inclusion and cultural challenges.
The pilot strategies include three main spheres:
1. Addressing the urgent housing needs of both the displaced people within Ukraine and in the EU.
2. Ensuring sustainable reconstruction in Ukraine by re-using demolished infrastructure and applying circular construction methods.
3. Launching trainings for local communities for the capacity development purposes.
Is Optimistic Perspective Real?
Yes! With the newly launched initiative which has already attained visible and palpable results, there are all reasons to await for the ‘Built-Back Better” Ukraine.