Migration Policy and Integration in Ingolstadt – March 2026 in Focus

Recent Developments in the Ingolstadt Migration Council

In March 2026, the Migration Council of the city of Ingolstadt engaged intensively with topics of central importance for the integration and participation of people with a migration background. The public session on March 25, 2026, marked a milestone in the council's work, as it included both internal discussions and external presentations and reports that outlined future areas of action.

Advance Medical Directives for Muslims: An Interdisciplinary Guide

A central topic of the session was the presentation of a guide on creating advance medical directives for Muslim women and men. The brochure, developed by the Islamic Advisory Service of the Eugen-Biser Foundation in collaboration with experts from medicine, law, and religion, provides clear guidance on drafting directives that take into account both legal and religious aspects.

The guide includes text modules and explanations to help individuals formulate a directive that aligns with their religious beliefs. Ingrid Gumplinger, the city's Integration Officer and a member of the advisory board of the Islamic Advisory Service, emphasized the importance of this work for self-determination and the respect of cultural values during the session. The brochure is available online and is seen as part of comprehensive integration efforts.

Election or Application: How Will Future Members of the Migration Council Be Appointed?

Another controversially discussed topic was the question of whether future foreign members of the Migration Council should be appointed through an application process or by election. During the session on March 25, 2026, the Migration Council presented its position on this issue, which was based on an in-depth discussion in December 2025. Experts from Augsburg, Fürth, and Regensburg were invited to present experiences and models from other cities.

Ultimately, the Migration Council expressed a preference for an election-based appointment process for future members. This position will be submitted as a decision-making aid to the Rules of Procedure Committee of the newly elected City Council. The final decision on the Migration Council’s statutes will be made by the new City Council starting in May 2026. This topic highlights the importance of transparency and participation in local migration policy.

Short Report 2020–2026: Balance and Outlook

To conclude the period from 2020 to 2026, the Migration Council, together with the Integration Officer, presented a short report. The report reflects on the council’s work over the past six years, including its achievements but also the challenges that arose due to financial constraints. Despite these limitations, it was possible to achieve important milestones, such as strengthening cultural associations, mosque communities, and other migrant communities.

The report also emphasizes the central role of the Migration Council as a link between the city and people with migration backgrounds. It shows that the council not only provides a platform for participation but also actively works against discrimination and exclusion. Another project mentioned in the report is the planned public participation initiative, which aims to deepen dialogue between the city and its residents.

Outlook: Migration Policy as a Future Challenge

The work of the Migration Council in Ingolstadt shows that integration is not only a task for the administration but also a societal challenge. The discussions and decisions in March 2026 lay the foundation for a transparent, participatory, and culturally sensitive migration policy in the coming years. The statements, reports, and guidelines developed during this period contribute to making Ingolstadt a livable home for all – regardless of origin, religion, or cultural background.