Tension in Lusatia's locality remains severe
The Lusatia region, situated in Saxon territory and Brandenburg, is undergoing a significant transformation due to the coal phase-out scheduled for at least 2038. This change, however, is not without its challenges, as the region navigates the economic implications of this transition.
In August, the unemployment rate in the Oberlausitz, part of Saxony, showed a slight increase compared to the previous year. Yet, there are signs of progress and optimism. Dietmar Woidke, Brandenburg's Minister President, believes that Lusatia is setting European standards for a successful structural change.
One of the key drivers of this transformation is the influx of funding. Approximately 10 billion euros are being allocated for the structural change, with 3.7 billion euros earmarked for the conversion of the municipal Carl-Thiem Clinic in Cottbus into a university clinic.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is expanding its maintenance workshop in Cottbus, creating over 550 new jobs and aiming for 1,200. Several other companies in the region have also created new jobs in recent years, with plans to offer at least 1,200 jobs collectively by the upcoming years.
The "Crazy Lusatia" campaign aims to attract returnees and newcomers to the region. Singer Clara Valerie, an ambassador for "Crazy Lausitz", found numerous opportunities in the region and has remained loyal to it.
The job center on krasse-lausitz.de allows users to specify their job preferences and location, and offers help with finding accommodation and a kindergarten spot. The Cottbus job center promises to find suitable jobs for individuals considering a return or move to the region.
However, the economic crisis is not entirely bypassing the Lausitz region. The Spree-Neiße district in the Oberlausitz had an unemployment rate of 6.0% in August, up 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. This highlights the need for continued efforts to support the region during this transition.
Axel Troost, the study's project leader, surprised everyone with the prediction that the main problem would not be finding new employment for coal miners, but attracting people back to the region due to a high retirement rate and low workforce entry. Unfortunately, Troost passed away in 2023.
In 2019, a study by the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung titled "After Coal" predicted mass unemployment due to the loss of 7,000 coal-fired power plant and open-pit mine jobs, along with another 4,000 dependent jobs. However, Woidke claims that transformation in Lusatia is becoming a reality, creating sustainable and future-proof jobs.
This transformation is possible due to cooperation among the federal government, municipalities, companies, and civil society, according to Woidke. The change in Lusatia is not just about overcoming challenges, but also about creating a region that is attractive and sustainable for generations to come.
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