The European Commission has officially announced the launch of the sixth edition of the New European Bauhaus Prizes (NEB Prizes) and the second edition of the NEB Boost for Small Municipalities programme. This year's edition brings significant innovations that further strengthen the focus on sustainability, inclusion and aesthetic value in the transformation of European communities, cities and rural areas. The calls are open to all innovators, young talents, communities and municipalities who want to implement projects in line with the values of the New European Bauhaus. The deadline for applications is 17 March 2026 at 19:00 CET.
What's new in NEB Prizes 2026?
This year's edition brings several major changes and expansions:
Wider geographical reach
Moldova is now among the eligible countries, alongside EU member states, Western Balkan countries and Ukraine.
Revised thematic categories
Four updated thematic areas reflect the direction of the NEB in the coming years:
1. Strengthening circularity, sustainability and innovation
2. Strengthening local democracy and inclusion
3. Art, culture and heritage as drivers of change
4. Enablers of the New European Bauhaus transformation
Each category has two competition sections:
A – New European Bauhaus Champions (completed projects)
B – New European Bauhaus Rising Stars (concepts by authors under 30)
New “NEB Water Resilience” Prize
A special award of EUR 20,000 will support projects focused on:
- climate change adaptation
- sustainable water management
- increasing community resilience
The 5 best-rated projects will be selected from the competition finalists
International Awards for Brazil and Japan
For the first time in the history of the competition, participation is open outside Europe.
- One winner from each country will receive EUR 20 000,
- two other finalists will receive EUR 5 000
New Acceleration Program for Finalists
Finalists in both competition sections will receive individual and collective support in the areas of:
- strategic leadership and positioning,
- storytelling and communication,
- a prepared communication package,
- increased visibility in the European space.
NEB Boost for Small Municipalities 2026
After a very successful first year, special support for small municipalities continues. The NEB Boost programme is intended for municipalities with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants or for rural projects.
Supported projects focus on:
- construction, renovation and adaptation of buildings or public spaces,
- circularity and carbon neutrality,
- cultural heritage and affordable housing,
- urban and rural regeneration.
Awards
- 20 winning projects will receive EUR 30,000,
- plus tailored communication support from the European Commission.
Note the key dates:
- Announcement of the finalists: during the New European Bauhaus Festival (9-13 June 2026)
- Award ceremony: autumn 2026
- Deadline for applications: 17 March 2026 at 19:00 CET
How to apply
PřihláškyApplications can be submitted on the official New European Bauhaus Prizes platform.
Full eligibility information is provided in the relevant Guides for Applicants for each competition.
Help spread the word about the New European Bauhaus Competitions
The organizers invite all interested parties and partners to spread the word in their communities. A promotional kit with visuals and texts for social media is also available.
