500 years of Fuggerei: Von der Leyen proposes Ukraine partnership with Augsburg social settlement

Created: 05/09/2022, 14:59

By: Theresa Kuchler

Ursula von der Leyen traveled to Augsburg for the 500th anniversary of the Fuggerei.

She wants to propose a partnership with the social settlement to the Ukrainian President.

Augsburg – Needy, Catholic, Augsburger: The requirements for admission to the Augsburg Fuggerei have not changed since it was founded in 1521.

The fact that only socially needy people are entitled to living space in the heart of the old town is part of the Fuggerei success story: last year the oldest social housing estate in the world celebrated its 500th anniversary.

The celebrations were postponed because of Corona.

Now the festival program "Fuggerei NEXT500" has opened.

Ursula von der Leyen also came to Augsburg for this occasion.

The EU Commission President sees the Fuggerei as a “great success story” that must be carried into the future and serve as a role model for Europe.

During her visit, she announced that she would propose a Ukraine partnership with the Fuggerei to the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Fuggerei in Augsburg: EU President sees social housing as a model for Europe

The President of the Commission paid tribute to the visionary power, the willingness to assume responsibility and the courage of the Augsburg citizenship and the Fugger family.

"The Fuggerei, which is 500 years old today, would not exist without the foresight, will and enthusiasm of the Fuggers," she said in her speech to over 450 guests in the Golden Hall of Augsburg Town Hall.

Before that, she had opened the official festival program on the Rathausplatz with Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU), Mayor Eva Müller (CSU) and representatives of the Fugger family.

In her speech, von der Leyen addressed two key challenges facing Europe: the war in Ukraine and climate change.

Progress can only be achieved with European determination and solid cohesion, willingness to innovate and drive.

The Fuggerei with its long history and its principles is a "recipe from which Europe can learn".

Fuggerei in Augsburg: Can “stand for godparents” in the reconstruction of Ukraine

With its sustainable and people-centered approach, the Fuggerei could be the inspiration for the reconstruction of Ukraine, von der Leyen believes.

She made the proposal for a new partnership program between the EU and Ukraine.

Regions, cities and professional groups should network to exchange experiences and ideas and thus work together on reconstruction.

The Fuggerei can provide important impulses for a social and safe homeland as well as a life in self-determination and dignity.

Von der Leyen wanted to tell the Ukrainian President Selenskyj about her visit to the Fuggerei in a phone call on Sunday.

"After what I experienced here today, the Fuggerei is the new European Bauhaus in Augsburg," said the President of the EU Commission and appealed: "Europe needs more Fuggerei."