Housing Crisis and Refugee Policy in Cologne: Challenges in April 2026

Housing Crisis and Refugee Policy: How Cologne Responds to Pressure

The city of Cologne continues to manage a high level of refugee intake, while the housing market remains tense. In April 2026, decisions on refugee accommodation, integration into the education system and social structures, and the rebuilding of social infrastructure were at the forefront.

Refugee Policy: A City in Continuous Operation

In April 2026, a total of 8,965 refugees were living in municipal accommodations, including 1,866 from Ukraine. The intake rate was at 103.26 %, exceeding the legally mandated level (§ 3 FlüAG), which led to an oversupply of 538 individuals. The city is relying on interim solutions to care for unaccompanied minor refugees (UMF): 97 UMF are currently supported in such structures.

Accommodation in shelter facilities remained a topic, with 1,328 refugees housed in these facilities. At the same time, the number of quota refugees decreased in April 2026 with only one new assignment. The Ukraine crisis remains central: with 14,136 registered Ukrainian refugees and approximately 70 new applications per week, the demand for protection and accommodation remains high.

Education: Integration through the Education System

The integration of refugee children into the education system is a central focus. In the school year 2025/26, all 404 registered refugee students were provided with school places. Of the 59 preparatory classes (VK) in the city of Cologne, 611 places were occupied, while 451 places remained free. In the individual integration (EI), 144 places were used, and capacities are to be expanded for 2026/2027.

The city plans to integrate a total of 85 refugee students into preparatory classes at secondary schools by the school year 2026/2027. School changes due to moves or pedagogical reasons were processed in 172 cases. Integration into the education system remains a success factor for long-term social participation.

Housing Policy: Demolition and Construction in a Tension Field

The new Cologne housing protection ordinance, which comes into force on 1 July 2026, is a central milestone in municipal housing policy. It is valid until 2031 and takes the strained housing market into account within the framework of the North Rhine-Westphalia Housing Strengthening Act. A central point is the demolition of a refugee accommodation on Hardtgenbuscher Kirchweg, planned for early July 2026. The costs for the demolition including infrastructure are around 893,000 euros. The area will be used for school construction.

At the same time, the city is implementing immediate measures to alleviate the housing shortage, particularly for students. These include the temporary use of municipal land for housing and the purchase of prefabricated halls, acquired in 2015 and saving around 990,000 euros annually.

Social Structures: Security Despite Budget Pressure

The financing of social structures is under pressure. The Structural Support Fund, which has supported social organizations since 2023, is still active for 2026 but will expire afterwards. In addition, potential federal cuts in funds for inclusion and independent welfare work threaten to endanger the security of social infrastructure.

Nevertheless, the city of Cologne has taken measures to strengthen social services. 15,809 euros were approved for the support of self-help groups. However, no funding was granted for the budget 2027/2028, as the financial situation is tight.

Outlook: Building Up Rather than Starting Anew

In April 2026, it became clear that Cologne is taking a pragmatic approach to both refugee policy and housing policy: The city is using existing structures, expanding where necessary, and creating new ways to tackle social and economic challenges. With the principle of "Rebuilding before new construction", the focus is on existing structures to create long-term stability.

In the future, it will depend on how the financial situation at the federal level develops and whether Cologne can finance its social and integrative strategies in the long term. In the fight against housing shortages and social inequality, the city remains in continuous operation – with a clear goal: more stability for all.