A city in eastern Germany offers a two-week stay for free for those who want to become residents. The project aims to revitalize the community and attract new inhabitants, especially qualified workers.
City of Eisenhüttestadt from Eastern Germany Photo: Wikipedia
The city of Eisenhüttestadt, on the border with Poland, about 95 km from Berlin, offers a unique opportunity: a free 14-day stay in an apartment furnished for people interested. According to a statement issued by the Local Council on May 13, the project is addressed to a variety of people, commuters, qualified workers, freelancers or even former inhabitants who want to return.
“The project is addressed to all those interested to move to Eisenhüttestadt – such as commuters, people who want to return to the city, qualified workers or people who carry out independent activities and seek a change of landscape.”is shown in the statement of the Local Council, quoted by CNN.
What the city offers
The project, called suggestively “Make your plans now“, Will allow the selected participants to live free of charge on September 6-20, right in the center of the city. During this time, they will be able to explore local life, community and work opportunities.
“They will have the opportunity to know the life, work and community in Eisenhüttestadt in a 14-day test stay-free and even in the center of the city ”the statement states.
Tours, trips and career opportunities
In order to help the participants make an informed decision, the Local Council will organize guided tours, visits to factories and local trips. Moreover, companies in the area will provide internships, job qualification opportunities and interviews.
The main purpose is to attract permanent inhabitants and support those who can contribute to the local economy. “The program aims to attract more permanent residents, especially skilled workers“, Said a local Basan official.
A city with unique history
Founded in 1950, Eisenhüttestadt literally means the “Otelieri City”. It is the first city built in full under the socialist regime in the former East Germany. Located on the bank of the Oder river, the city was planned around a huge steel combination and initially called Stalinstadt, in honor of Soviet leader Iosif Stalin. After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, the city received the current name.
Like many other East German cities, Eisenhüttestadt has experienced a severe demographic decline, moving from over 50,000 inhabitants to about 24,000 at present.
However, the city still houses the largest integrated steel combination in eastern Germany, with about 2,500 employees, being an important center for metal processing.
Unexpected attraction: Socialist Architecture
One of those who have already chosen to move to Eisenhüttestadt was conquered by the city’s architecture. He told, in a video published on the Instagram account of the City Hall, that his decision was spontaneous:
“It was a pure coincidence. I was traveling to Ratzdorf with friends and I passed Karl-Marx-Straße. And I saw these houses, this architecture that completely amazed me and I told my wife: “I will move here” “the man said.
After this moment, he organized a tour with a local history to find out more. “After the tour we were so impressed by this architecture that that was, in fact, the trigger of the decision“He added.
Open registrations until July
Those interested in a new life in Eisenhüttestadt can enroll in the program until the beginning of July. The city offers a rare combination of economic opportunities, history, interesting architecture and a quiet lifestyle-all in a well-planned and accessible urban framework.
