Social Justice and Integration in Aachen: What Changed in January 2026

Renaming and Restructuring: The New Committee for Equal Opportunity and Integration

In November 2025, a fundamental organizational change came into effect in Aachen: the previously existing Integration Council was renamed the Committee for Equal Opportunity and Integration. This change was implemented under the law amending local legal provisions of July 10, 2025, and reflects a broader thematic focus. The committee is now more strongly oriented towards promoting equal opportunities—not only in the context of integration, but also in the fight against structural disadvantages.

In addition, a new leadership team was established within the committee. Mrs. Michelle Schmidt was appointed as Secretary, supported by Sandra Daemen and Karsten Rahn-Bergner as Deputy Secretaries. These appointments were made in agreement with the Mayor and mark a new beginning for the committee’s work.

Funding and Projects: How Aachen Invests in Integration in 2026

In January 2026, not only organizational decisions, but also financial ones were central. The city of Aachen plans to spend a total of 145,000 euros on integrative measures in 2026. The funds are clearly distributed across different areas:

• 53,000 euros for ongoing projects, events, and network activities
• 39,000 euros for everyday-oriented language courses
• 25,000 euros for integration projects
• 15,000 euros for the committee itself
• 8,000 euros for events by migrant organizations
• 5,000 euros for the Multicultural Festival

A special focus was placed on adapting terminology and the structure of funding. For example, the "Integration Award" was renamed the "Diversity Award" to place greater emphasis on diversity. The "Lay Language Mediation Pool" was also renamed the "Special Needs Lay Language Mediation Pool" to allow for more flexible use.

A concrete project presented in January was the project "WIR KINDER Show Our Diversity in the HirschGrün Community Garden". This project by the KGS Beeckstraße school promotes the integration of students with a migration background through creative workshops, excursions, and parent involvement. It is a prime example of the type of measures that Aachen aims to support.

Statistics and Realities: Homeless and Displaced People in Aachen

In January 2026, current statistical reports on the situation of displaced and homeless people in Aachen were also presented. These data were discussed within the Committee for Equal Opportunity and Integration as well as the Committee for Social Affairs and Demographics. The statistics include, among others:

• National statistics on the countries of origin of displaced persons
• Age distributions
• Data on transitional housing facilities

These assessments are crucial for identifying specific needs and developing targeted measures. The responsible department, FB 56 – Housing, Social Affairs, and Integration, plays a central role in this process. It not only coordinates the allocation of funds but also the implementation of projects and reports.

Outlook: What Aachen Has Planned for 2026

In January 2026, a great deal was already set in motion. The renaming of the Integration Council marks a step toward expanding the thematic focus. The clear financial planning shows that Aachen is ready to actively invest in integration and equal opportunity. In addition, further projects are in the pipeline, such as the creative project "The Memory Suitcase – The Faces of My Home", which will start in April 2026 and aims to bring together young people from different backgrounds.

The Committee for Equal Opportunity and Integration will continue to play a central role in the coming months—not only in local politics but also in the implementation of concrete integration projects. With these steps, the city of Aachen is demonstrating that it takes the challenges of migration and social inequality seriously and is actively seeking solutions.