Bilateral Meeting Advances New European Bauhaus Collaboration in Ireland

Dublin, Ireland — March 26, 2026 — A high-level bilateral meeting was held today at 58 William Street South, Dublin 2, bringing together key Irish stakeholders and European Commission representatives to discuss the ongoing development and implementation of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative in Ireland.

The meeting welcomed Elena Montani, Head of the New European Bauhaus Unit at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. She was joined by Donough Cahill, Executive Director of the Irish Georgian Society, and Nicki Matthews, National Contact Point for the New European Bauhaus at the National Built Heritage Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), alongside a range of national stakeholders engaged in NEB-related activity.

The session commenced with a formal welcome and introductions, followed by a roundtable discussion where participants outlined their involvement with the New European Bauhaus and shared perspectives on its impact and potential within Ireland.

A central focus of the meeting was an update from Elena Montani on the progress of the NEB across Europe and its future direction. The discussion highlighted the initiative’s ambition to connect sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion in shaping Europe’s built environment and communities.

Irish stakeholders also presented on the implementation of NEB principles at a national level. Contributions from Nicki Matthews (policy) and Philip Cheasty (research and innovation) showcased key developments, including:

• The EDAP/ECAP Programme and the forthcoming Adaptation & Reuse Conference 2026
• The Dublin Declaration and its role in establishing a NEB Local Chapter Model
• The ERDF THRIVE funding programme supporting sustainable development initiatives
• The evolving NEB Facility and the dual role of the National Contact Point in policy and research & innovation

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between Ireland and the European Commission in advancing the New European Bauhaus vision.

A group photograph was taken to mark the occasion and acknowledge the continued partnership between European and Irish stakeholders.

All photographs by Justin Farrelly Photgraphy.