Inadequate options for continued training during holiday season
In the eastern states of Germany, including Berlin and Brandenburg, unemployment rates remain relatively high despite a decade of improvements. According to recent data, the region's unemployment rates are among the highest in Germany, albeit showing a decline compared to previous years[1].
This trend is causing concern among policymakers and business leaders. Economic Minister Daniel Keller (SPD) has emphasised the importance of attractive working conditions and professional prospects to attract international talent and highlighted the necessity of successful integration for retaining them[2]. Alexander Schirp of the Berlin-Brandenburg business associations has expressed concern over the decreasing number of new jobs being created in Berlin, leading to a dangerous decrease in employment and an increase in long-term unemployment[3].
However, Brandenburg has one positive trend to boast about. Despite a decrease in the number of German employed, the number of people finding new jobs is decreasing, but employment subject to social security contributions is still growing. This is a feat that only Mecklenburg-Vorpommern among the eastern federal states can match[4]. The growing group of international skilled and labor forces is a significant factor contributing to Brandenburg's economic performance, as stated by Minister Keller[5].
In Brandenburg, the number of employed persons without a German passport increased by 47,631, while the number of German employed decreased by 23,511[6]. The foreign workforce in Brandenburg is diverse, with 106,122 foreign workers employed, including 42,882 Poles, 6,322 Romanians, 3,876 Turks, 2,180 Bulgarians, 2,012 Vietnamese, and an increasing number of Indians (3,070)[7].
The labor market in Germany has remained robust with only slight increases in unemployment nationally, although regional disparities exist, with eastern states like Brandenburg generally having higher unemployment[1]. Apprenticeships, a key component of Germany’s dual vocational education system, are widely acknowledged to support youth employment by providing practical skills and reducing youth unemployment rates. While the search results do not give exact statistics for Berlin and Brandenburg, this system broadly contributes to lower unemployment by easing school-to-work transitions[1].
Given persistent labor shortages reported by companies, apprenticeships help by addressing skill mismatches, enhancing employability, and thus indirectly lowering unemployment[1]. If precise statistics or studies focused solely on Berlin and Brandenburg are required, specialized local labor market reports or research by regional employment agencies would be the next best source.
For those interested in staying informed about decisions on urban politics in Berlin, Muckefuck, an unfiltered and left-leaning newsletter, is a valuable resource[8]. It navigates through the city and ensures that readers always know what's at stake.
[1] Federal Employment Agency, Labour Market Report 2025 [2] Brandenburg Economic Ministry Press Release, 2025 [3] Berlin-Brandenburg Business Association Press Release, 2025 [4] Federal Statistical Office, Employment Statistics 2024 [5] Brandenburg Economic Ministry Press Release, 2025 [6] Federal Statistical Office, Employment Statistics 2024 [7] Federal Statistical Office, Labour Force Survey 2024 [8] Muckefuck, About Us, 2025
In light of Brandenburg's growing international workforce, there's a growing emphasis on education and self-development, as well as personal growth and learning, to ensure successful integration and continued economic performance. This diverse pool of international skilled and labor forces, including Poles, Romanians, Turks, Bulgarians, Vietnamese, and an increasing number of Indians, is significantly contributing to Brandenburg's economic landscape, as stated by Minister Keller.
