Emden is shaking: the decision on Lower Saxony Day 2028 is coming up!

Emden is shaking: the decision on Lower Saxony Day 2028 is coming up!

A decision will be made in Emden today that could set the course for the city's future. Lower Saxony's Interior Minister Daniela Behrens has encouraged the city to apply for the “Day of Lower Saxony 2028”. The city council is scheduled to vote on September 25, 2025 on whether to take this step. “The event could be an excellent opportunity to present the city in transition,” says Mayor Tim Kruithoff (independent), who also points out the challenges.

A big topic in the current discussion is the extensive renovation work that is scheduled to take place in the city center over the next few years. Construction sites in the Stadtgarten, on Neutorstrasse and Am Delft Street will shape Emden in 2028. “These measures are a sign of progress,” emphasizes Maria Winter, parliamentary group leader of the SPD. Nevertheless, there is both support and resistance: While the SPD is united behind the application, the Greens, FDP and the Together for Emden party are skeptical and are calling for the event to be held at a later date. “The pressure to dare is enormous,” says Kruithoff, as there is disagreement outside the SPD and the vote could potentially be close.

The financial challenges

In addition to the organizational issues, the financial aspects should not be underestimated. Emden is struggling with high debts and the costs of hosting the Lower Saxony Day could be up to 720,000 euros. This presents the city with the challenge of not only mobilizing money, but also staffing the project. “It’s not a small chunk,” says Kruithoff. Given the uncertainties regarding the application, Emden could only claim one-off funding, as after 2026 the “Day of Lower Saxony” will only take place biennially.

Future visions for the city center are the focus of urban planning. Emden is progressive and has developed strategies for the long-term development of the city center in order to create an adventure city that combines retail, gastronomy and cultural offerings. The first measures such as the renovation of the Neuer Markt have already been implemented. The aim is a family-friendly, barrier-free design that improves the quality of stay and also creates new green areas. “Emden's new face” will become apparent as part of the renovations, starting with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for the second quarter of 2026.

A historic moment?

The decision about the application for the “Day of Lower Saxony 2028” is therefore in the balance. Support from government representatives and the positive response from the last Lower Saxony Day in Osnabrück, which attracted around 500,000 visitors, are encouraging, but concerns about the construction projects taking place at the same time cast a shadow over the planning. Despite these hurdles, the SPD sees an opportunity for decisive progress for Emden. “We must have the courage to take on this challenge,” the political decision-makers are convinced.

The city council will decide today whether Emden will apply for the “Day of Lower Saxony 2028”. And no matter what the outcome, one thing is certain: the city is changing and has a lot planned to sustainably shape its image in the coming years.

Further information about the city of Emden's plans can be found on the websites of NDR, NWZ and the city of Emden: NDR, NWZ, City of Emden.