<h6><strong>Ane Barcos</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The European Commission held the groundbreaking ceremony in Seville on Monday for what will be its first net-positive building. In an institutional ceremony presided over by the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and attended by European, national, regional, and local authorities, the foundation stone was laid for the future headquarters of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in the Andalusian capital. This building, which embodies the principles of the New European Bauhaus, aspires to become a continental symbol of sustainability, innovation, and inclusive architecture.</strong></h4> Designed to go beyond climate neutrality, the new center will set a precedent by achieving net-positive emissions, positioning itself as the first EU institutional building of this magnitude with such aspirations. The infrastructure will combine elements of traditional Andalusian architecture with technological innovation and environmental sustainability. It will be crowned by a large solar dome capable of generating more energy than it consumes, while its spaces will be open to the public. Construction will be carried out using local materials such as limestone, wood, and ceramics, and is expected to be completed within two years. [caption id="attachment_121335" align="alignnone" width="750"]<img class="wp-image-121335 size-jnews-featured-750" src="https://thediplomatinspain.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/new_european_bauhaus_JRC_seville_SH-750x500.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="500" /> Conceptual design of the new JRC building in Seville, Spain. Source: European Commission.[/caption] European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen opened the event, emphasizing the profound symbolic and political value of the project. She recalled that the New European Bauhaus was announced during her 2020 State of the Union address as "a vision to create spaces that are beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive," and stated that this project in Seville represents "the first Commission building built on those values." Von der Leyen emphasized that the building will not only be aesthetically beautiful, inspired by the pergolas and open spaces characteristic of Andalusia, but also completely sustainable: “The solar panel canopy makes it our first net-zero emissions building. It will generate far more power than it needs and return energy to the grid. In just 18 years, it will have saved as much carbon as was used in its construction.” She also highlighted its inclusive nature, stating that “the spaces will be open to the community,” and expressed her gratitude to the city. Also speaking, the European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, praised the institutional collaboration that has made this initiative possible, emphasizing that “thanks to incredible inter-institutional collaboration, this is the first visible example of the New European Bauhaus.” She added that this proposal “is allowing us to transform society, from small businesses to disadvantaged neighborhoods, making it more sustainable and improving the way Europeans live.” As a symbolic gesture, Zaharieva received a signed copy of Von der Leyen's 2020 speech, which gave rise to this initiative. <h5><strong>Spain reaffirms its commitment to the European Union</strong></h5> During the event, the State Secretary for the European Union, Fernando Sampedro Marcos, reaffirmed Spain's commitment to the European project: "Spain demonstrates its commitment to the EU not only by leading and supporting initiatives, but also by hosting institutions like this one on its territory. We are at the heart of Europe." For her part, the Minister of Science and Innovation, Diana Morant, highlighted the importance of science as a response to major global challenges: "We live in a context full of uncertainties, and the solution will never come from denialism or misinformation, but always from science and knowledge." She emphasized that this new center "renews our country's commitment to Europe and to science." In turn, the First Vice President of the Government, María Jesús Montero, noted that this infrastructure "will contribute nearly €60 million in the coming years, in addition to tax benefits for those who work here, thanks to the headquarters agreement signed between the Government of Spain and the European Commission." She explained that this center "will be a first-class hub for projects related to the ecological transition, the circular economy, and artificial intelligence," helping to "attract talent and integrate it into a facility that will strengthen the scientific evidence behind European policies."
