There is very little time left before the start of 2026, and with it, the European Commission’s New European Bauhaus initiative will offer new funding opportunities for innovative, sustainable, beautiful, and inclusive projects, including the Horizon Europe 2026 calls for proposals.
May 5 is the date when all interested parties can begin to submit their ideas; the deadline for submitting applications is December 1. This year, the Commission has decided to offer more time for all stakeholders who decide to submit their proposals in consortium with other entities.
The NEB Facility, the new financing tool for this initiative, will continue to ensure the transformation of neighborhoods in urban and rural environments. It will do so through three destinations that will bring together a total of nine calls for proposals, focused on citizen participation, the regeneration of built environments, and business and entrepreneurship.
They will have a budget of €101 million, which may be supplemented by other European funds and grants, as well as private funding through synergies and collaboration between entities, public institutions, and members of the associative network.
Destination 1. Citizen participation. 3 calls for proposals
The first destination focuses on the connection between ecological transition, social inclusion, and participatory democracy. It emphasizes equality and ensures that these changes do not happen at the expense of vulnerable social groups. That is why it considers that sustainability involves measures that promote social and territorial cohesion.
- Addressing homelessness through approaches aligned with the New European Bauhaus. Budget of €12.6 million. Expects to select two projects.
- Innovative solutions for the spatial design of neighborhoods. Budget of €10 million. Expects to select two projects.
- Knowledge of neighborhood experiences to ensure the health and well-being of their inhabitants. Budget of €15 million. Expects to select three projects.
Destination 2. Urban regeneration and circularity. 3 calls for proposals
The second destination values sustainability in a broad sense, also based on accessibility and quality of life for the inhabitants of built environments. It takes into account air quality, energy use, and water management, thereby encouraging a rethinking of both the construction and renovation of buildings.
In addition, it seeks architectural solutions that draw on both new technologies and the cultural and vernacular heritage of each location.
- Sustainable, inclusive, affordable, and high-quality solutions for thermal comfort in buildings. Budget of €12 million. Three projects are expected to be selected.
- Development of measures for the maintenance and renovation of existing buildings. Budget of €10 million. It expects to select two projects.
- Innovative solutions for the sustainable and beautiful use of vertical space. Budget of €15 million. It expects to select three projects.
Destination 3. Business and entrepreneurship. 3 calls for proposals
The third and final destination focuses on the economic and legislative barriers currently facing innovative initiatives, both in terms of their development and effective implementation. Thus, new businesses and innovative financing models are crucial to promoting the adoption of practices and approaches that not only focus on profitability and efficiency, but also align with broader social goals and values.
These may incorporate a long-term and life-cycle vision, driving positive cultural, social, and environmental change in the built environment, while improving competitiveness.
- Structurally addressing homelessness through social infrastructure and coordinated services in neighborhoods. Budget of €10.5 million. Expects to select three projects.
- Knowledge about market dynamics to increase investment in NEB projects in neighborhoods. Budget of €7 million. Expects to select two projects.
- Approaches to leverage empty, obsolete, and underutilized spaces. Budget of €9 million. Expects to select two projects.
The eligibility conditions for projects, requirements, selection criteria, and other relevant documents regarding the submission of proposals for all these calls are now available on the European Commission’s website. In addition, to provide details on the new Horizon NEB program and answer any questions, the EC plans to hold an information session on February 24.
