Eisenhüttenstadt, a town in eastern Germany near the Polish border and about 60 miles from Berlin, is launching an innovative initiative to boost its declining population by offering two weeks of free accommodation to prospective new residents. The local council announced the program on May 13, 2025, inviting applications until early July.
The scheme, called "Make Plans Now," allows selected participants to live rent-free in a furnished apartment from September 6 to September 20. It targets a broad group including commuters, former residents interested in returning, skilled workers, and self-employed individuals seeking a fresh start. During their stay, participants will experience the town’s lifestyle, work environment, and community firsthand.
To help newcomers settle in, the council will organize activities such as guided tours, factory visits, and social outings. Local businesses will also offer internships, job shadowing, and interview opportunities, encouraging participants to consider permanent relocation.
Founded in 1950 as a planned socialist town built around a large steelworks, Eisenhüttenstadt once known as Stalinstadt has seen its population shrink from over 50,000 at reunification to around 24,000 today. It remains home to the largest integrated steelworks in eastern Germany, employing 2,500 people, and is noted for its distinctive socialist-era architecture.
This initiative aims to reverse population decline by attracting new residents, particularly skilled workers, and revitalizing the town’s economy and community.