Kraushaar sees structural change in coal regions on track

Planning and tenders take too much time

"We are currently in the first funding phase until 2029. The projects that have already been approved are investment measures that are always associated with lead times. Planning and tenders take time, sometimes far too much time," emphasized Kraushaar. However, the first projects have already been fully implemented in the individual municipalities in the region. For example, research sites have been established, village community centers have been renovated and projects such as the new kindergarten in Räckelwitz (Bautzen district) have been completed.

"We cannot use the money from the federal government to directly promote jobs - unfortunately, the federal states have not prevailed in this regard. We are therefore using the money for investments that are crucial for the attractiveness of the affected areas. This includes, for example, state-of-the-art healthcare, research facilities, meeting places such as village community centers, tourist infrastructure and business parks," emphasized Kraushaar. It is important to stop further migration of the population from these areas and, on the contrary, to attract people.

Research should make former lignite regions attractive

Research in particular could make the former lignite regions attractive, said Kraushaar, citing the Smart Mobility Lab in Hoyerswerda as an example. From 2027, scientists will be researching the mobility of the future there. Projects on automated road traffic, autonomous flight systems and robot-assisted applications in agriculture are planned as focal points.

Kraushaar is convinced that facilities such as the DAZ, CTC and Smart Mobility Lab will encourage more companies to settle here. "This will not always create thousands of jobs. But it creates important impulses that promote change in the best sense of the word." It is also true that Lusatia is already looking for workers in certain areas. "There is a shortage of staff in some areas, especially in public services such as care and utilities."

Attractiveness of the regions for residents is crucial

"A crucial point for the attractiveness of the regions remains their transport links. How do I get from A to B comfortably and quickly? That's the be-all and end-all," said Kraushaar, also mentioning the pending electrification of the Dresden - Görlitz train line. "The federal government needs to roll up its sleeves." The Free State's two neighbors - the Czech Republic and Poland - would be keeping a close eye on the efforts on the German side. Further delays to such rail projects - including the planned new line from Dresden to Prague - would cause consternation there.

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