Aachen's Integration Policy in March 2026: Renaming, New Projects, and the Diversity Award

Renaming and Structural Adjustment: The Path to the Future

In March 2026, the city of Aachen took a decisive step in shaping its integration policy: the former "Integration Council" was renamed the "Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration." This new name reflects the city’s broader goal – not only integration, but also equal opportunities for all residents. The restructuring was not only symbolic, but also structurally significant. A new logo was developed that unites the identity of the city of Aachen with that of the state integration council of North Rhine-Westphalia. The administration was tasked with creating a new flyer featuring this logo to clearly communicate the new structure to the public.

Creative Integration: The Memory Box and Financial Support

Another focus of the meeting was the support of projects that strengthen integration through creative and educational work. The committee approved 5,000 euros from the PSP element "Integration Measures" for the project "The Memory Box – The Faces of My Home" by the Aachen Network for Humanitarian Assistance and Intercultural Peace Work e.V. The project targets children, young people, and young adults (aged 10–20) with and without a migration background and offers workshops in photography, creative writing, and theater. The goal is to strengthen identity, reduce prejudices, and promote social participation.

The funding is provided in two stages: 2,500 euros are awarded before the project begins, and another 2,500 euros after the number of participants is confirmed. The association contributes its own share in the form of volunteer work. However, concerns have been raised regarding the short timeframe, as the start is scheduled for 04.05.2026 and the number of participants is not yet secured. Should this not be achieved by then, a later start in 2026 is planned.

Diversity Award 2026: New Guidelines and Composition of the Oversight Committee

Another central topic was the redesign of the oversight committee for the "Aachen City Diversity Award." The Diversity Award has been awarded since 2013 and supports projects that strengthen an inclusive understanding of migration, diversity, and integration. In the meeting on 12.03.2026, the composition of the oversight committee was adjusted. A member of the fifth faction was added, so that the committee now includes eleven elected members from the Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration, the chair of the committee, and a representative of the administration. The guidelines for awarding the prize were updated and also adapted to the new structure of the committee.

Outlook: Events and Challenges

The committee plans several significant events for the second half of 2026. These include the "Festival of Diversity," the "Naturalization Ceremony" on 20.06.2026, and the "Long Table of Diversity" on 04.07.2026. The Diversity Award itself will be presented on 04.07.2026 as part of this event, including the category "Integration through Sports." Another planned action is a visit to the community garden HirschGrün on 18.06.2026.

At the same time, critical issues were also addressed, such as the suspension of voluntary participation in integration courses under § 44 (4) of the Residence Act. The committee has decided to discuss this issue in detail in the meeting on 03.06.2026 and to invite a representative from the Aachen Education Center (VHS).

Conclusion: A Step Toward Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

March 2026 marks a milestone in Aachen's integration policy. With the renaming of the Integration Council, the city shows that it not only focuses on integration but also places equal opportunities at the center. At the same time, it sets impulses through creative projects and the redesign of established structures such as the Diversity Award. Challenges such as the implementation of projects within a tight timeframe and the adaptation to new legal conditions remain. Nevertheless, Aachen is on a clear course – moving away from mere integration measures toward an inclusive, diversity-rich urban society in which diversity is understood as an enrichment.