Cottbus Monthly Review: Inclusion, Culture, and Kindergarten Realignment in Focus

Strengthening Inclusion, Supporting Culture, Reimagining Kindergartens

What was important this month

• Cottbus joins the European Charter for Equality – A local action plan for equality is being developed.
• High subsidy for sports facilities – The municipal sports facility company receives 15.4 million euros for 2026.
• New direction for childcare – The childcare subcommittee is preparing reforms.
• Barrier-free accessibility and inclusion in focus – The advisory board for people with disabilities is working toward long-term improvements.
• Culture on the move – The youth cultural center Glad-House plans 99 events in 2026.
• Industrial land development launched – The GEFEK process aims to create a forward-looking settlement strategy by 2040.

Equality and Inclusion: Cottbus takes the next step

In February 2026, the city of Cottbus reached a milestone in its path toward equality. The Committee for Social Affairs, Health, and Minority Rights unanimously decided to join the European Charter for Equality between Women and Men at Local Level. This step is not only symbolic but also practical: As part of the membership, a Local Equality Action Plan will be developed in cooperation with key stakeholders and regularly evaluated.

At the same time, the Advisory Board for People with Disabilities worked toward greater inclusion. Key topics included barrier-free administration, inclusive kindergartens, and the expansion of the Medical Center for Adults with Disabilities. The discussions show that Cottbus is thinking long-term and aims to become more accessible for all citizens in the future.

Culture and Sports: Funds are flowing, but challenges remain

The city continues to invest in its cultural and sporting offerings. The Municipal Sports Facility Company of Cottbus will receive a total grant of 15.4 million euros for 2026, with a planned annual deficit of 727,100 euros. While this deficit is relatively small in comparison to the total volume, it highlights the ongoing challenges in the sector.

The youth cultural center Glad-House is also receiving support: 99 events are planned for 2026, including 15 concerts, 45 rentals, and 22 cultural education events. Although a planned annual deficit of 28,698 euros is expected, the city's grant amounts to 948,400 euros. This shows that the city remains an active partner in the cultural field.

Childcare: Reforms in the planning stage

The Childcare Sub-Committee discussed the reorientation of kindergartens in February in detail. Issues such as the current status of the demand assessment for the third level of childcare and funding were at the center of the discussions. Although no concrete budget figures were mentioned, it is clear: The city wants to further develop childcare – also with a view to inclusion and quality.

In addition, several committees discussed how kindergartens in Brandenburg should be shaped in the future. Cottbus aims to act as a model city for inclusive childcare and plans to collaborate with other municipalities and organizations such as the DSGT (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Teambegleitung – German Society for Team Support).

Cross-topic: Structural change and citizen participation

An overarching topic in February was industrial land development. With the GEFEK process, Cottbus aims to create a forward-looking settlement strategy by 2040. The city has identified more than 348 hectares of available land – including the Lausitz Science Park and the Cottbus-Nord site. This process shows that Cottbus is not only looking back, but actively shaping the future.

At the same time, citizen participation remained a central topic. Numerous committees, from the Youth and Children's Advisory Board to the Advisory Board for Integration and Migration, have contributed to political decisions. This underlines that Cottbus is not only planned and shaped from above, but also from below.

Conclusion and outlook

February 2026 was a month of clear decisions and long-term planning in Cottbus. The city has promoted equality, financially supported culture and sports, and rethought the future of childcare. At the same time, it is evident that Cottbus remains active economically and in urban development – with a clear focus on inclusion, sustainability, and citizen participation.

March will show how far the drafts and plans are being implemented. Stay informed and participate in the discussions – because Cottbus can only be a place for everyone with your involvement.