On Friday, 8 November 2024, the InnoRenew CoE research institute, together with the U-LEAD with Europe Programme, hosted a conference in Brussels. The event brought together key stakeholders from across the EU and Ukraine to discuss the roadmap for the establishment of a New European Bauhaus (NEB) Academy hub in Ukraine.
The conference, held at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Brussels, became an important platform for Ukrainian and EU experts in construction, politics and education to share insights on how to meet Ukraine’s extensive reconstruction needs by implementing sustainable methods that align with the European Union’s climate goals. The event facilitated discussions on sustainable and inclusive recovery strategies over a long term horizon.
Ukraine is actively exploring European initiatives such as the New European Bauhaus, which integrates the principles of sustainable construction, inclusiveness and aesthetic quality. However, significant knowledge gaps in the country related to bio-based building materials, digital technology and the circularity amongst others remain.
To address these gaps, NEB Academy training hubs are being established across Europe, including Ukraine. They aim to upskill and reskill construction professionals, empowering them to implement responsible and sustainable solutions in the country’s rebuilding processes.
The conference began with welcoming remarks by Iztok Jarc, Ambassador, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the European Union; Nataliia Kozlovska, Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine; Anna Kotljara, Policy Officer on Decentralisation and Regional Policy, Ukraine Service, DG NEAR, European Commission; and Bastian Veigel, Programme Director of the U-LEAD with Europe. They agreed on the importance of international cooperation in promoting sustainable recovery in Ukraine, offering motivation to the participants.
Lorenzo de Simone, Policy Officer at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC), reported on the progress of the NEB initiative in Europe, while Michael Bernard, Deputy Director of InnoRenew CoE, outlined the activities and objectives of the “Rebuilding a Better Ukraine via the New European Bauhaus Academy” initiative. Vladyslav Kysil, Short-Term Legal Expert at InnoRenew CoE, highlighted potential operating models for a NEB Academy hub in Ukraine, emphasising the importance of integrating sustainable construction practices into Ukraine’s regulatory and educational framework.
During a panel discussion moderated by Uwe Kies, Secretary General of InnovaWood, participants discussed key challenges in establishing a NEB Academy hub in Ukraine. Experts included Olga Balytska, Short-Term Policy and Law Expert at InnoRenew CoE; Anton Kolomeytsev, Chief Architect of Lviv, Liudmyla Kryzhanovska, Head of the Promprylad Foundation; and Oleksii Shkuratov, Vice-Rector of the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture.
The InnoRenew CoE director Andreja Kutnar reaffirmed the NEB Academy Alliance’s commitment to making high-quality training available to a wide range of professionals in Europe and neighbouring regions. Uwe Kies elaborated on the role of the NEB Academy Information and Education Centre, which promotes training and education in renewable biomaterials, innovative building solutions, architecture and urban development.
In a panel discussion moderated by Andreja Kutnar and Uwe Kies, European experts from leading organisations such as Višnja Košćak (Wood Cluster Styria, Austria), Camilla Berggren-Tarrodi (RISE, Sweden) and Philipp Misselwitz (Bauhaus Earth, Germany), Olena Pitirimova, Short-Term Architecture and Construction Expert at InnoRenew CoE, and André Fabian, Director of the GIZ Programme “Financing Energy for Low-Carbon Investment – Cities Advisory Facility”, discussed opportunities for cooperation among existing and potential NEB Academy hubs and presented concrete partnership options, including knowledge exchange, joint training events and exchange of training materials.
The conference culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Kyiv National University of Civil Engineering and Architecture and the University of Primorska, attesting to the commitment of both parties to promote international cooperation to strengthen education capacity, scientific research and academic process.
The Roadmap to a New European Bauhaus (NEB) Academy Hub in Ukraine: Networking And Outreach conference marked an important milestone on the path to establishing the NEB Academy Hub in Ukraine. Through collaboration with experts and other stakeholders in the development of the NEB, the NEB Academy Hub in Ukraine has the potential to fill knowledge gaps and contribute to the sustainable, inclusive and aesthetic recovery of Ukraine.
Key statements:
Iztok Jarc, Ambassador, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the European Union:
“It gives us great pleasure to host this event. As you are aware, Europe has been and will remain Ukraine’s strongest ally. I firmly believe in the NEB concept, and I was able to observe some real-world NEB examples.”
Nataliia Kozlovska, Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine:
“We appreciate everyone’s presence and the chance to participate in this project. We are certain that we must already now make an attempt to incorporate the NEB’s principles into Ukraine’s recovery.”
Anna Kotļara, Policy Officer on Decentralisation and Regional Policy, Ukraine Service, DG NEAR, European Commission:
“Buildings are only one aspect of reconstruction. Ukraine joined a platform that embodies the greatest EU concepts and practices through NEB.”
Bastian Veigel, Programme Director of U-LEAD with Europe:
“Ukraine has a unique opportunity to set new standards in resilient reconstruction across Europe and beyond. I am confident that we will work together to meaningfully co-create a path that honors Ukraine’s needs while embracing its prospects of a prosperous and sustainable future.”
Michael Burnard, Deputy Director & Head of Health Department at InnoRenew CoE, Associate Professor at the University of Primorska:
“While it is hard to prioritise sustainability, inclusivity, and beauty when the need for shelter and services is so immediate, we already see excellent examples of NEB inspired work in Ukraine. I’m sure we’ll see more, especially when an NEB Academy Hub is active in Ukraine.”
Andreja Kutnar, Director of InnoRenew CoE, Professor at University of Primorska:
“We are honoured that so many participants from Ukraine and across Europe decided to attend our conference and support the NEB Academy Hub initiative. The Hub is aimed at enabling Ukraine’s rebuilding with inclusive and sustainable practices that are in line with EU climate targets. We are working together to create a resilient future for Ukraine.”
About the initiative
“Rebuilding a Better Ukraine via the New European Bauhaus Academy” initiative implemented by InnoRenew CoE and supported by U-LEAD with Europe Programme aims to prepare the basis for the establishment of a NEB Academy Hub in Ukraine.
About InnoRenew CoE
InnoRenew CoE is a private, non-profit research institute that aims to improve the sustainable architectural landscape from an environmental and socio-humanitarian perspective. It explores the development and optimisation of materials, building systems, architecture, engineering, health and social impacts, modern manufacturing and digitalisation. The interdisciplinary nature of InnoRenew CoE is complemented by a diverse staff from 20 countries around the world. With these resources, the institute contributes to scientific, social and industry progress.
InnoRenew CoE has been at the forefront of the New European Bauhaus since its foundation and is actively involved in its development. It is a key member of the Wood4Bauhaus alliance, which raises awareness for the benefits and accessibility of wood-based solutions for sustainable, beautiful and inclusive buildings. InnoRenew CoE was a key participant in the Horizon Europe – New European Bauhaus Nexus report and is now home to the first pilot Hub of the New European Bauhaus Academy – NEBA Pioneer (NEBAP) Hub of the University of Primorska.
