Brandenburg Wanted for Elimination: "Compassionate Brandenburg"

In an effort to boost its profile as a top destination for internal migration within Germany, the state government of Brandenburg has launched a new autumn campaign. The initiative, titled "Pretty Places Don't Need Pretty Names", aims to promote Brandenburg and encourage companies, universities, and schools in the region to welcome new colleagues from other German states.

Florian Engels, the State Marketing Director, has sent letters to 102 companies, ten universities and colleges, and four school authorities, inviting them to be a part of this exciting venture. The campaign playfully promotes unique place names like Motzen, Protzen, or Kotzen, in an attempt to make Brandenburg more appealing to potential migrants.

The state government is sponsoring moves from the "old states" (presumably former West German states) to Brandenburg. This move is part of a larger initiative that has seen an increase in sympathy for Brandenburg in both East and West Germany, as shown in a survey conducted in April.

The budget for state marketing has increased from 800,000 euros to one million euros per year with the new budget. This increased funding will allow for a more comprehensive and impactful campaign.

Companies and institutions in Brandenburg, such as Strehlow GmbH, Deutsche Post AG, BfAA AdöR, Deichmann SE, AlphaConsult KG, and FERCHAU GmbH in Brandenburg an der Havel, are currently hiring and may welcome new colleagues relocating from the old federal states. Schools under the Erzbistum Hamburg, like the Katholische Schule Harburg, starting a new era in 2025/26, might also see new staff due to relocations linked to educational projects and cooperation.

Minister of Economics and Labour, Daniel Keller, has expressed his willingness to help with moving day. Last year's campaign focused on the typical Brandenburg saying: "You can't complain about that." This year, the focus is on inspiring West Germans to relocate to Brandenburg through the "Likeable Brandenburg" campaign.

The state marketing department is receiving many positive reactions and initial reports from people willing to move from the "old federal states". As the campaign gains momentum, it is expected that more and more individuals and institutions will become involved, further enhancing Brandenburg's reputation as a desirable destination for internal migration.