Zittauer foreigners' advisory board starts: Integration in focus!

Zittauer foreigners' advisory board starts: Integration in focus!

Zittau, Deutschland - The foreigners' advisory board of the city of Zittau started its work in June 2025 and is already ensuring a breath of fresh air in local politics. This important committee consists of ten voting members who represent the interests of foreign and immigrant citizens to the city council and the city administration. The aim of the advisory board is to promote integration and to improve communication between the German and non-German inhabitants.

The advisory board consists of a colorful mix: elected representatives from the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Afghanistan, members of the city council as well as representatives of social institutions and a person from the Zittau universities. This makes it clear once again how diverse and intercultural is a commuting. The advisory board meetings are planned regularly and it is planned to publicly report on his work. All residents of the city have the opportunity to get in touch and bring their perspectives. This initiative is a clear step towards more transparency and dialogue in the city.

a starting point for all

The foreigners' advisory board not only has the task of discussing migrants, but also advising on local political decisions. Topics such as integration, education, cultural activities, democracy and the fight against discrimination are on the agenda. Even if the advisory board has only been formally launched, it is important to know that Zittau has had an active foreigner advisory board since 1991 who has already made many important contributions to society.

A major challenge is the political participation of people with a migration background in Germany, because 14 out of 27 EU member states allow third-country nationals to participate in local elections, Germany is not one of them. According to the bpb, around 6.83 million third-country nationals live here, which are represented by the advisory boards. These bodies are not only political representations, but also play an advisory role in municipal self -government.

The commitment of Zittau citizens should not be underestimated: Committed people are called to apply for the advisory board, which can guarantee the chance of a more various and inclusive representation of the city. Interested parties have to explain themselves by March 18, 2025 and can submit their curriculum vitae as well as important information, such as citizenship and living address, to the city administration.

With the foreigners' advisory board, Zittau shows that the focus is on common cooperation and mutual support. A clear call to strengthen diversity is hereby pronounced, since the voices of all citizens make a valuable contribution to social cohesion.