population - Living in Guben - First tester will stay
Living in Guben bears first fruits. "There is already a person's intention to move to Guben and take up employment here," said a spokesperson for the municipality in response to an inquiry. Other people who had already lived in the city as probationary residents could imagine a life in Guben but were not specific.
The small town on the border with Poland aims to make a name for itself as a living location through probationary residency. For years, the population has been declining. According to the administration, about 16,600 people lived in the commune in 2022. In the year 2000, there were reportedly more than 25,000.
"Guben as a small town with an aging population hopes for immigration. Furthermore, there are industrial settlements where personnel is needed, as well as in existing areas," explained the spokesperson.
Probationary residency for two to four weeks
Since early July, probationary residency has been running and is expected to continue until September. 16 probationary resident parties were granted approval. According to the city, approximately 38 applications had been submitted. Most of them were from couples and families, explained a spokesperson for the city.
In particular, the "flight from the big city" is a motivation for many. "Specifically, for many, the desire to live in the green, with a family environment and short distances to the kindergarten and school grows," the spokesperson added.
A total of five two- or three-room apartments are available. One can use the fully equipped apartment in the city for a period of two to four weeks alone or even with a family. Only the additional costs are to be paid, explained the spokesperson about the concept. "Whether there is a extension or repetition is still undecided."
Guben follows the model of other cities like Eberswalde, Frankfurt (Oder), and Görlitz. In these cities, probationary residency was already called for.
Guben, located in Brandenburg, is actively trying to attract new residents to counter its declining population. Due to the availability of industrial jobs and the appeal of a family-friendly environment, many applicants for the probationary residency program in the city express a desire to live in Guben. Additionally, the commune offers fully equipped apartments for probationary residents to experience living in the city for two to four weeks.
