Frankfurt Mayor Josef calls for more money for refugee aid

Refugee Integration Needs Boost in Frankfurt, According to Mayor Josef

Local authorities in Frankfurt, as per Mayor Josef (SPD), aren't receiving enough financial support to effectively accommodate and integrate refugees. The federal and state governments must pour more funds into this critical area, ensuring that funds are sufficient for the task, according to Josef, who arrived in Germany as a refugee child from Syria. Reasonable refugee accommodation and integration are essential for social peace, he believes.

"Back in my days, German courses were offered for my mother, we resided in refugee accommodation, and then we shifted to our own apartment. I went to kindergarten and was given opportunities. The municipality provided these facilities, which was crucial for our integration," Josef recalls.

The issue at hand is an insufficient budget for social housing, schools, and daycare centers in Frankfurt. Existing residents are already struggling, and any additional burden could lead to loss of acceptance, says Josef.

The federal government has been steadily transferring more responsibilities to the cities but without providing enough funding. Even a metropolis like Frankfurt has limited financial resources due to its growing population. The infrastructure must expand in tandem with population growth, according to Josef.

Further Insights:

Refugee Integration Strategies:
EU Funding Mechanisms: Germany could utilize EU funds like AMIF, ERDF, and ESF+ to support regional development, accommodations, and integration initiatives, along with financial incentives for municipalities and capacity-building programs.
Transnational Partnerships: Collaboration with international organizations like UNHCR and IOM could offer practical assistance in implementing effective refugee resettlement and integration initiatives.
Community Sponsorship Programs: Encouraging private sponsor initiatives and providing assistance to civil society organizations involved in community sponsorship programs can boost integration efforts.

For social peace and acceptance, refugees and local residents must work together in harmony. Frankfurt Mayor Josef is emphasizing the need for shared responsibility to ensure this harmony, starting with adequate funding and infrastructure to meet the needs of refugees and locals alike.