Potsdam
A key player in bringing cities across Europe together
Key Takeaways
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Potsdam has taken on a leading role in networking and lobbying between cities, both in Germany and in Europe more broadly. It inspired several other cities to become active by founding the “Safe Harbour Cities Alliance” (Städtebündnis Sicherer Hafen).
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Potsdam is advocating for a reform of the German Residence Act, which would allow municipalities to play a greater role in taking in people rescued at sea.
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The city is moving to push its Immigration Office towards less discriminatory practices. To do this, it has developed new guidelines together with civil society representatives which require caseworkers to grant a residence permit whenever legally possible.
What is unique about the city?
Advocating for the rights of refugees: Potsdam is one of the most progressive cities in Germany and Europe when it comes to migration policy. Since 2015, Potsdam has been one of the most vocal municipal actors speaking out for migrants’ rights and has done much to improve living conditions for refugees in Potsdam – from simplified family reunion to increased access to integration courses. Moreover, the city is trying to increase its own in-take of refugees by reforming the local Immigration Office, with the help of churches, the local Seebrücke group and other anti-racist civil society actors.
What are the key factors?
A proactive mayor: Since the fall of communism, Potsdam has, as a German state capital, been largely ruled by a left-liberal government. The city’s mayor, Mike Schubert, has recently committed himself to taking on this issue; this and the city’s collaboration with civil society initiatives are two other main factors in the city’s role as a national forerunner.
What are the greatest achievements so far?
The “Safe Harbour Cities” alliance: The “Potsdam Declaration" and subsequent founding of the “Safe Harbour Cities” alliance in 2019 initiated a working dialogue with the German Interior Ministry. In June 2021, in collaboration with Palermo, the city organised a conference for European mayors, which led to the launch of the first European Alliance of Safe Harbours. In Potsdam itself, the revamp of the discriminatory Immigration Office in cooperation with civil society is another notable achievement.
Political activities and advocacy beyond the city level
Potsdam is one of the key actors in Germany advocating for a reform of the Residence Act. This would allow municipalities to play a greater role in taking in people rescued at sea. It founded the “"Cities of Safe Harbours" alliance, which includes municipalities all over Europe. The alliance has put political pressure on the federal government and has successfully established a regular dialogue with the German Interior Ministry (BMI) that would be responsible for the intended reform. The “Potsdam Declaration'', on which the network is based, is the most important document for the movement of cities campaigning for municipal refugee reception in Germany.
Member of the following networks
Download the full city report
The city report contains more information about the city’s migration and inclusion policies and selected local approaches. Report from 2021, updated in 2023.
Inspiring Approaches
Pioneering advocate for community reception
Advocacy & Networking
Transforming discriminatory practices at the immigration office
Counselling and guidance
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Residence status and security
Project 'Spurwechsel' – Integration into the labour market of refugees with tolerated status
Welcoming and social inclusion
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Labour market
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For undocumented migrants
ProPotsdam - Special building programme
Welcoming and social inclusion
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Housing
The IntegreatApp
Welcoming and social inclusion
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Counselling and guidance