Integration & Orientation

The Left party faction has submitted a parliamentary inquiry regarding the consideration of native language in nursing care and in generalist nursing training. The inquiry addresses how the linguistic needs of patients and trainees in nursing professions can be better accommodated.

The question is directed at the federal government and seeks information about existing regulations and potential improvements in language integration within the healthcare sector. This is particularly relevant for healthcare professionals from abroad and for patients with a migration background.

The Left faction (Die Linke) has submitted a motion in the German Bundestag calling for an appropriate expansion of the federal program 'Kultur macht stark'. This program supports cultural education initiatives and contributes to integration and social participation.

The program targets children, youth, and families and provides diverse opportunities for cultural engagement. An increase in funding would enable the program to reach more people, including newly arrived residents, and strengthen their integration into German society.

The German federal government has stated that it is not aware of any fraud cases related to AI training promotion measures for employees. This information was provided in a written response to an inquiry from the AfD parliamentary group.

The AI training promotion initiative targets employees who wish to expand their skills in artificial intelligence. Such qualification measures are part of Germany's skilled workforce strategy.

The BAMF Research Center has published a new estimate of the number of Muslim religious adherents with a migration background from Islamic-influenced countries of origin living in Germany in 2025.

The study demonstrates that Muslim life has been an established part of German society for decades. The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the size and structure of the Muslim population in Germany.

Study author Dr. Anja Stichs contextualizes the key findings in an interview, contributing to a better understanding of religious diversity in German society.

The Left party faction has submitted a written question to the German federal government seeking information about the humanitarian consequences of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine.

The inquiry aims to examine the current humanitarian situation and its impact on the affected population, as well as to scrutinize the federal government's measures in response to this crisis.

This matter is relevant to Germany as the humanitarian situation in Ukraine influences migration patterns and the integration of persons seeking protection into German society.

The AfD parliamentary group has submitted a written question to the federal government requesting a summary of the Migration Commissioner's first year of work. The commissioner oversees migration, refugee, and integration matters for the Federal Government.

The role involves coordinating and implementing measures for integrating migrants into German society and providing support for refugees.

The inquiry seeks to bring the activities and achievements of this government position into public review and parliamentary accountability.

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz will deliver a government statement on 11 June 2026 regarding the upcoming European Council meeting scheduled for 18-19 June in Brussels. At this gathering of EU heads of state and government, migration policy issues will feature prominently alongside discussions on the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East.

A key focus of the deliberations will be the design of the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034. This directly impacts funding for integration and migration programmes across member states, including Germany.

Migration policy discussions at the European level shape national regulations for labour migration, skilled worker recruitment, and immigrant integration. The outcomes of the European Council are therefore likely to influence future German visa regulations and integration measures.

The German Green Party has submitted a motion in the Bundestag to facilitate the conversion of vacant office space into residential units. The initiative aims to address the shortage of affordable housing in Germany.

The motion targets a structural issue in German cities: while housing is becoming scarce and expensive, office buildings increasingly stand empty. This trend reflects changing work patterns since the COVID-19 pandemic, with remote work becoming more prevalent.

Streamlining conversion processes could unlock significant floor space for the housing market and improve living conditions for skilled workers and migrants relocating to Germany.

According to a government response to an inquiry from the Left party, initial and renewal rents in Bavaria have increased by an average of 4.3 percent per year since 2015.

This continuous rise in housing costs represents a growing challenge for tenants and affects the availability of affordable housing in one of Germany's most populous federal states.

For immigrants, skilled workers, and families wishing to settle in Bavaria, the tight rental market makes finding suitable accommodation increasingly difficult.

The MBE Congress takes place on June 11 in Potsdam and examines the role of migration counseling in successful integration in Germany. Experts from politics, science, authorities, and support organizations discuss current questions and challenges in counseling services.

The focus is on the contributions of migration counseling to successful integration and the current challenges facing the counseling landscape. The conference provides a platform for exchange among various stakeholders in the integration process.

A central topic is the future-proof design of counseling services. Participants work toward perspectives on how migration counseling can be effectively and sustainably delivered under changing conditions.

The federal government and states have adopted a Federal Modernization Agenda aimed at making the German state leaner, faster, and more digital. At an event in Berlin, initial successes of this initiative became evident, demonstrating progress toward greater efficiency and reduced bureaucracy.

The measures of the modernization agenda are already taking effect and showing positive results in administrative practice. This contributes to accelerating administrative processes and making them more user-friendly for citizens and applicants.

The Goethe-Institut marks its 75th anniversary on 23 June 2026. Since its founding in 1951, the institution has connected people across borders through language, culture, and education.

The anniversary is held under the motto We in the World and honours 75 years of dialogue, encounter, and global exchange. In a time of increasing global conflicts and polarization, the work of the Goethe-Institut as a mediator and bridge-builder continues to grow in importance.

The official ceremonial event will take place in the presence of the Federal President and numerous international guests at the House of the Berlin Festival. The worldwide network of the Goethe-Institut will be celebrated together with partners from around the world.

International Plain Language Day on May 28th highlights the importance of clear, understandable information for people with limited language proficiency. Plain language ensures that information about immigration procedures, integration, and orientation in Germany is accessible and comprehensible to all persons.

For immigrants and non-native German speakers, access to understandable information is crucial. Plain language uses short sentences, simple words, and clear structures to convey complex content in an accessible way. This is particularly important for administrative procedures and legal requirements.

The German federal government increasingly provides information on various topics in plain language. This supports successful integration and enables people to better understand their rights and obligations.

Plain language is an essential tool for communicating information to people with limited language proficiency. The International Day of Plain Language on 28 May recognizes the importance of this communication approach.

For migrants and visa applicants, access to understandable information is crucial. Plain language simplifies complex administrative and legal texts, making them accessible to a broader audience.

The German Federal Government is committed to providing important information in various language forms and with enhanced clarity. This supports better integration and helps people understand their rights and responsibilities.

The German Cultural Council is initiating a new action day dedicated to promoting a democratic and diverse society. The "Solidarity in Diversity" action day will take place for the first time on May 21, 2026, raising awareness about social cohesion in a pluralistic society.

The initiative addresses all citizens and organizations committed to democracy, diversity, and social cohesion. It is relevant for integration processes and the orientation of newcomers in German society.

In 2025, a total of 1,110 initial orientation courses (EOK) were launched across Germany to support newly arrived asylum seekers and immigrants. Beyond teaching basic language skills, these courses provide essential information about everyday life in Germany.

The EOK central office in Lower Saxony, led by Brigitte Germer and her team at the Agency for Adult and Continuing Education (AEWB), plays a key role in coordinating and ensuring quality standards for these courses. The central office assists course providers in developing and implementing high-quality orientation programs that give participants practical knowledge about German society, rights and responsibilities, and cultural practices.

Initial orientation courses are considered an essential component of integration support, establishing a foundation for newly arrived individuals to achieve successful social participation and professional integration.