Support for the NONA project by Ursula Von den Leyen, President of the European Commission and Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms

The Danube Future Works conference #1 at the HfG Ulm marked a significant milestone in collaborative efforts towards green transition in the Danube region. The event received strong backing from the European Commission, with URSULA VON DEN LEYEN, President of the European Commission, and ELISA FERREIRA, as well as an opening contribution from NICOLE RAZAVI, Minister for Regional Development and Housing Baden-Württemberg and final contributions from ALINA UJUPAN, Head of Unit New European Bauhaus and IRINA COZMA, Coordinator Priority Area 3 of the EUSDR (EU Strategy for the Danube Region).

Ursula von der Leyen’s endorsement
In her opening address, President von der Leyen underscored the importance of the NONA project and the New European Bauhaus on the Danube (NEBoD) initiative. She highlighted the creativity and diversity showcased within these frameworks, speaking of the travelling academy within NONA Academy development as an exemplary model for knowledge sharing and community support. President von der Leyen emphasized that the NONA green investment forums could revolutionize funding access, driving essential investment, innovation, and skills development - key components of the European Green Deal. She concluded by affirming that local activities significantly contribute to Europe’s transformation goals.

Elisa Ferreira’s vision for the future
At the final strategic panel of New European Bauhaus on the DANUBE Executive Conference (NEBoD): Danube Future Works, Commissioner ELISA FERREIRA reiterated the necessity of mapping opportunities and generating innovative ideas for regional progress. She expressed gratitude to the Ulm School of Design and all NEBoD partners, recognising the NONA project collaborators as exemplary interdisciplinary teams essential for crafting effective strategies. Her insights reinforced the collaborative spirit needed to address the challenges faced by the Danube region. 

The Danube Future Works conference exemplified the European Commission’s commitment to fostering green transition. The strong messages from President von der Leyen and Commissioner Ferreira highlighted the vital role of local initiatives in achieving broader European objectives, inspiring continued collaboration in the quest for sustainable transformation.