Zittau Foreigners' Advisory Council starts: Focus on integration!

Zittau Foreigners' Advisory Council starts: Focus on integration!

The Foreigners' Advisory Council of the city of Zittau began its work in June 2025 and is already bringing a breath of fresh air to local politics. This important body 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 improve communication between German and non-German residents.

The advisory board is made up 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 one person from the Zittau universities. This once again illustrates how diverse and intercultural Zittau's population is. The Advisory Board's meetings are scheduled regularly and there are plans to report publicly on its work. This means that all residents of the city have the opportunity to get in touch and contribute their perspectives. This initiative is a clear step towards greater transparency and dialogue in the city.

A contact point for everyone

The Foreigners' Advisory Council not only has the task of discussing migrants' concerns, but also provides advice on local political decisions. Topics such as integration, education, cultural activities, democracy and the fight against discrimination are on the agenda. Even though the Advisory Board has only just been formally established, it is important to know that Zittau has had an active Foreigners Advisory Board since 1991, which has already made many important contributions to society.

The political participation of people with a migrant background in Germany represents a major challenge, as 14 of 27 EU member states allow third-country nationals to take part in local elections; Germany is not one of them. According to bpb, around 6.83 million third-country nationals live here and are represented by the advisory councils. These committees are not only political representatives, but also play an advisory role in local self-government.

The commitment of Zittau's citizens should not be underestimated: committed people are encouraged to apply for the advisory board, which can ensure the chance of a more diverse and inclusive representation of the city. Those interested must declare themselves by March 18, 2025 and can submit their CV and important information, such as nationality and residential address, to the city administration.

With the Foreigners' Advisory Council, Zittau shows that the focus is on togetherness and mutual support. A clear call to strengthen diversity is hereby made, as the voices of all citizens make a valuable contribution to social cohesion.