NEB Ocean Lab — Reimagining and Restoring European Society's Relationship with the Ocean

The New European Bauhaus (NEB) Ocean, Coastal and Island Communities Lab is a pan-European ecosystem that brings art, science and policy together in service of the ocean. Building on the Horizon Europe lighthouse project The Bauhaus of the Seas Sails, the Lab contributes to the societal engagement pillar of the EU Ocean Observation Initiative (OceanEye), bringing ocean observation closer to citizens through the NEB approach: blending science, education and the arts to strengthen public understanding of the ocean and to improve how people see, sense and relate to it. This session opens that conversation with Europe's regions and cities. Bringing together representatives of EU institutions, the Lab's founding partners and local practitioners, it discusses how regional and local authorities, cultural actors and coastal and island communities can shape ocean observation, and what role cohesion policy instruments can play in making that participation durable and impactful. Following the discussion, participants will be invited to take part in a light interactive exercise as a first step in the Lab's wider co-design process. Using a simple digital engagement tool, attendees will be invited to share their perspectives and priorities, providing an initial snapshot of ideas to inform the Lab's future development.