Olympia 2036: NRW referendums cost millions – what’s in store for Cologne?

Olympia 2036: NRW referendums cost millions – what’s in store for Cologne?

The Olympic Games are on everyone's lips - and that doesn't just apply to sports enthusiasts in North Rhine-Westphalia. On April 19, 2026, citizens in 17 cities in the state will vote on whether to participate in a bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The stronghold of the application seems to be Cologne, but with the many discussions about costs and infrastructural effects, far-reaching decisions are in the air. So reported NW.de that the planned referendums will cost several million euros.

According to the preliminary planning, the state government will budget a total of 9.5 million euros for the referendums, with 85 percent of the costs being borne by the state. People are particularly skeptical in the opposition: the money often comes from funds that were actually earmarked for the modernization of sports facilities. Lisa Kapteinat, SPD MP, expresses concerns that this could put further strain on the already strained sports infrastructure in North Rhine-Westphalia. The State Chancellery, on the other hand, assures that the funds for the referendums will come from additional budget money.

Cologne and food in focus

Cologne expects costs of around 2.49 million euros for its own referendum alone. Part of this, around 373,000 euros, must be provided from the city budget. The referendum in Cologne will be carried out as a postal vote, so that a survey will be sent to numerous households. Question to the people of Cologne: “Are you in favor of the city of Cologne taking part in the Rhine/Ruhr region’s joint application for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036, 2040 or 2044?” These surveys are also being carried out in other cities such as Essen, where the costs are estimated at 1.2 million euros, of which 180,000 euros must be paid as a personal contribution.

Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU) emphasizes the importance of the budget and explains that these funds will be used sparingly. A positive vote could put the application to the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) on the right track, but since the chances of success of the Olympic application are uncertain, it remains to be seen how the population will react to the voting question.

A tough struggle for approval

Since the Olympic bid extends across numerous municipalities, a single negative vote can overturn the entire initiative. It is therefore all the more important that there is broad support in all 17 participating cities, including Cologne, Düsseldorf, Gelsenkirchen, Essen and Aachen. Particularly in large cities, a no vote could lead to complicated divisions of competition venues.

The current situation in North Rhine-Westphalia is similar, where many municipalities are under financial pressure. According to the current information, it is clear that a successful application can only be achieved in close coordination with the citizens. The DOSB will decide by autumn 2026 which city will be sent into the race as German applicants. WDR.de reports that a political agreement on the application has already been signed, which sets the framework for the coming decisions for all those involved.

The countdown is running and the anticipation is increasing - the only question that remains is whether NRW will be a good part of this story or whether the challenges will paralyze the application.