Oldenburg's Integration and Housing Policy in March 2026 – Between a Football Tournament and Long-Term Strategy

Integration through Sport: The 20th Africa Cup in Oldenburg

The Africa Cup in Oldenburg has become a fixed element of the city's integration work over the past 20 years. With 18 teams from migrant organizations and four girls' teams from elementary schools, the tournament provides a platform for intercultural exchange. The goal is to break down prejudices and promote tolerance – not least through direct contact with institutions such as the police or youth welfare office.

In March 2026, the funding application for the event was approved by the Committee for Integration and Migration. The city of Oldenburg is allocating 3,000 euros from the "Projects for Tolerance and against Right-Wing Extremism" fund, with 2,000 euros directly supporting the Africa Cup. The event, which takes place in August 2026, is an example of how sport can serve as a bridge between cultures.

Implementation of the 2026 Integration Concept: A Strategic Realignment

In March 2026, Oldenburg presented the updated 2026 Integration Concept, which is based on three pillars: Attitude/Vision, Actors in Integration Work, and Strategic and Operational Goals. During the development of the concept, several participation events were held, including workshops, expert interviews, and an online survey, in which approximately 340 people participated.

The four action areas of the concept – Education and Work, Living, Housing and Health, Solidarity and Coexistence, and Opening up to a Migrant Society – form the basis for future measures. Anti-discrimination and intersectionality have been identified as cross-cutting themes. The city of Oldenburg plans to drive implementation through a specialist committee and various networks. Annually, 40,000 euros are available to realize the goals of the concept.

Support for Migration Advisory Projects: A Variety of Actors in Action

In March 2026, funding applications for eight migration advisory projects were approved, including initiatives such as "Wir für uns e.V." and the "Yezidi Forum e.V." The total funding amounts to 240,000 euros for 2026, distributed among projects that usually provide counseling, support, and networking for refugees and people with a migration background.

An example is the project "Counseling, Support, and Activation of Residents in the Kennedy District" by "Wir für uns e.V.", which receives 49,640.80 euros in municipal funding. Likewise, the project "Integration of Yezidis in the Community – Shaping and Networking" was supported with 27,596.43 euros. These projects contribute to strengthening social participation and creating long-term structures for an open society.

Partnerships for Democracy: A Bridge Between Youth and Politics

Another focus of Oldenburg's integration policy is the project "Partnerships for Democracy Oldenburg" (PfD Oldenburg), which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Seniors, Women, and Youth. The city of Oldenburg co-finances the project with 10 percent. PfD Oldenburg promotes political participation, combats discrimination, and creates cooperation formats in the city's society.

In 2025, 24 projects were supported with a total of 32,503.63 euros. Young people can independently plan and implement projects through the Youth Fund and the Youth Forum. The cooperation with civil society actors and various departments of the city administration is a central element of the project, which is to be expanded further in the future.

Outlook: Integration as a Continuous Process

The political decisions in March 2026 show that Oldenburg is focusing on long-term integration. Through the Africa Cup, the new integration concept, and the support of migration advisory projects, a wide range of initiatives are being supported that contribute to strengthening social participation. At the same time, it becomes evident that the city is also responding to structural challenges – for example, by planning to restructure the funding allocation from 2027 to create long-term planning security.

Integration in Oldenburg is not a one-time process, but a continuous building of trust, exchange, and participation – with sport, education, counseling, and democracy as key themes.