Speech by Commissioner Elisa Ferreira for the New European Bauhaus on the DANUBE Executive Conference (NEBoD): Danube future works

NEBoD Conference: Danube future works

Dear friends of the New European Bauhaus

and local development in the Danube region,

A wind of change is blowing across our world. A new, greener economy. A new localism, and desire for community engagement. And new challenges, from demographic change, to geopolitical instability.

To successfully navigate this new world, we need a mapping of the possibilities, and new ideas, which will harness the wind, and take us forward.

So my thanks to the Ulm School of Design, and all the partners of the “New European Bauhaus on the Danube”.

You are an example of the kind of interdisciplinary team that is needed to generate these new maps, and new ideas.

You are part of a broader community. Just last month we had the NEB festival. Thousands of participants came from across Europe. Political leaders and town planners. Artists and activists. Architects and academics. Business leaders and community leaders. Many among you.

All motivated by a vision of a better future where living spaces are more sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful.

And there is a particular need for this approach in the Danube Region.

As you know, the Danube is a very diverse region: different languages, different cultures, different levels of economic development.

Yet, as we discover in the Danube macro-regional strategy, the region is united by common concerns and motivations, and the river runs like the chain that connects these different communities to common goals: the transition to a green economy, stemming brain drain, preserving the rich cultural heritage.

And the New European Bauhaus can help by supporting grassroots initiatives with a vision for sustainability which promotes the local economy and culture.

And this is indeed what you are doing! I am delighted to hear that you have been working to empower local communities across the region to take ownership of their sustainable development journey, embracing a place-based approach, yet working together across borders.

I am confident that this conference at the site of the famous Ulm School of Design, embodying the New European Bauhaus values will be a landmark!

It will surely strengthen the ties between the different actors, including local and regional authorities, investors, and urban practitioners, local community members and experts.

I am also confident that you have had useful exchanges on good practice projects.

I was particularly impressed by the NONA project, promoting a greener and more responsible land use.

And of course my congratulations to the Romanian project: “Făget Forest Park: Cluj's Green Lung” one of the winners at this year's New European Bauhaus prizes, following in the steps of the 2023 winner from Bulgaria Danube Design Lab!

This project is an excellent example, of how good partnerships can transform forest parks in metropolitan green belts.

Serving many functions, from tourism and the economy, to social inclusion and health. My thanks to all involved! And indeed, my thanks to all of you today for contributing to Cohesion in Europe: through your work you are providing 3 key ingredients which are vital to Europe's success.

First: local engagement and place-based action. Second: a green transition which promotes quality of life for everyone. And third: the innovative ideas, finding new and effective ways to deliver all this.

Keep up the good work!

Media