On the occasion of the opening of the two competitions, last January 14, the Executive Vice President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto stated: "I am very pleased that the Cohesion Policy continues to support the New European Bauhaus 2025 prizes and now the new NEB Boost for Small Municipalities. These prizes open another opportunity for Europeans across the EU to showcase their best innovative creations for a better future that is beautiful, inclusive, and sustainable.”
Although promoted on the same occasion by the European Commission, the two competitions differ both in terms of objectives and target audiences. In fact, the NEB Prizes will recognize outstanding projects and ideas from individuals, teams, and organizations, while the new European initiative will support smaller local entities in implementing transformative projects with strong community involvement.
Here are the details of the two European initiatives inspired by the new European Bauhaus.
How to participate in the 2025 European Bauhaus prizes
Now in its fifth edition, the NEB Prizes managed by the European Commission's Regional Research and Development Directorates reward existing projects and concepts developed by young talents that combine sustainability, social inclusivity, and aesthetics, bringing the European Green Deal to people and local communities.
After the success of the last four editions of the contest, which received over 5,000 applications, the contest returns this year aimed at young people of any nationality and background, provided that their concepts, ideas, and projects have been developed or are physically based in the EU, the Western Balkans, or Ukraine.
The prizes will be awarded to initiatives that contribute to the development of beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive places, with reference to four categories:
- reconnecting with nature;
- regaining a sense of belonging;
- prioritizing places and people who need it most;
- building a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life cycle thinking.
For each of the categories, there will be two parallel sections:
- "New European Bauhaus Champions", for existing examples already completed in recent years with clear and positive results;
- "New European Bauhaus Rising Stars", for ideas and concepts at various stages of development - from idea to prototype - presented by young creatives aged 30 or under.
Overall, for 2025, a panel of experts will award 22 cash prizes for a maximum amount of 30,000 euros and a communication package that will help winners further develop and promote their projects and concepts.
Additionally, this edition of the New European Bauhaus Prizes has a particular focus on the theme of housing, indeed it includes a special recognition called the NEB “Affordable housing prizes”. As explained by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen: "Affordable housing solutions are one of the most urgent challenges of our time, and this year's edition of the new European Bauhaus prizes shines a spotlight on this urgent issue." In this regard, four projects will be awarded within the "NEB Champions" section for completed projects in the EU that contribute to the EU's efforts to improve housing affordability and combine this commitment with the principles of the new European Bauhaus.
Check the reference page for the NEB Prizes 2025
How the NEB Boost for Small Municipalities works
Alongside the new European Bauhaus prizes, the NEB Boost for Small Municipalities contest is also currently available.
Also known as 'Revitalization of small municipalities' and supported by a pilot project of the European Parliament, this new initiative will award prizes to projects in line with the values and principles of the new European Bauhaus that demonstrate a strong community commitment and a sufficient level of maturity.
Aimed at municipalities in rural areas or those with a population of less than 20,000 inhabitants, the competition intends to recognize the fundamental role played by smaller communities in the NEB movement and ongoing transitions, such as the digital and green ones.
Eligible projects must focus on the built environment, including the construction, renovation, and adaptation of buildings and public spaces. These projects should prioritize circularity, carbon neutrality, cultural heritage conservation, affordable housing solutions, and the regeneration of rural or urban areas.
The 20 winners of the NEB Boost will each receive a prize of 30,000 euros, along with a tailored communication package from the EU Commission to further amplify their achievements.
When to submit applications for the NEB Prizes?
The NEB Prizes and the NEB Boost for Small Municipalities share the same timeline and application submission methods. In both cases, the deadline for submitting applications is set for February 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM CET, via the official platform of the new European Bauhaus prizes.
All details on the application process are included in the respective applicant guides: the guide to the NEB Prizes, available in all EU languages as well as those of the Western Balkans and Ukraine, and the guide to the NEB Boost for Small Municipalities, available in all Union languages.
The 22 winners of the NEB Prizes 2025 and the 20 of the NEB Boost for Small Municipalities will be announced during an award ceremony at the European Parliament in the fall.
Translation AI assisted
