The European Village is located next to the canal in the northernmost part of the Bo01 area. At least nine European countries have been involved here in demonstrating their traditions, architecture, construction methods and materials. The Swedish government invited all member states of the EU, applicant countries and EFTA countries to build one or more small houses for the housing exhibition.
These houses feature characteristic styles of buildings in their home country, but they have been adapted to suit Malmö's climate and construction conditions. During the expo, visitors have been able to view these houses, which are fully furnished. The houses will be sold after the exhibition. The European Village will remain as it is and forms part of the new district.
The buildings reflect national or regional traits and have been constructed using the methods and materials that are normally used in the countries from which they originate. These houses all contribute to the Bo01 theme of sustainability. Each in its own special way.
The area is also the first testing ground for a wider application of the European Construction Products Directive. This forms the basis for the common guidelines that were established for the construction of the European Village. This has aroused huge interest and will be closely monitored by the European Commission, researchers, politicians and building companies throughout Europe.
The aim of the European Village is to provide examples of the similarities and differences that the European Construction Products Directive allows for. The Swedish Government wants to speed up the introduction of the Directive and to create conditions for a stronger internal European market in the area of construction. At present, construction is chiefly a national or even a regional concern. A wider exchange of ideas. Construction products and labour ought to be able to generate more competition and thus lower construction and housing costs. The European Village will hopefully be a starting point for the creation of a common European market in the building sector.
