The June plenary session saw the adoption of the opinion on Implementing the New European Bauhaus by Rudolf Kolbe. At a time when the EU is facing a housing crisis compounded by rising energy costs and a number of social fractures in terms of income, age and origin, it is important to set out practical solutions.

‘The New European Bauhaus is one of the EU’s most ambitious recent initiatives. And let me be clear: this is not a building programme nor a design trend. It connects the European Green Deal with people’s everyday lives through three values: sustainability, inclusion and aesthetics,’ said Mr Kolbe. ‘My conclusion is simple: the time to act is now. And civil society must be fully part of it, so that the New European Bauhaus becomes everyday practice, everywhere.’

In the opinion, the EESC sets out some key recommendations to successfully apply the concepts of the New European Bauhaus. To tackle the housing crisis, it is essential to upgrade isolated pilot projects to widespread and adaptable solutions which are specific to the different territories.

1) Developing key performance indicators (KPIs)

The EESC recognises that the New European Bauhaus has an added value in translating policy objectives into tangible, people-centred solutions, while fostering green innovation and enhancing competitiveness. For this reason, it is important to measure the extent to which its values and principles are reflected in new and revised EU policies and regulatory acts. This objective can be achieved by developing key performance indicators (KPIs) assessing horizontal cross-cutting implementation.

2) Revision of the Public Procurement Directives

In the upcoming revision of the Public Procurement Directives, public authorities must give priority to life-cycle and quality criteria for services shaping the built environment, enabling innovation and circularity.

3) Sustainable, affordable and quality housing policies

The New European Bauhaus and affordable housing policies are inseparable. One without the other simply does not work. The next step to implementing the New European Bauhaus must therefore focus on investment in sustainable, affordable and quality housing, using the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the renovation wave as key levers. (mp)