Overview
- The NRW referendum, which concluded early Monday, delivered roughly 66% support from about 1.4 million participants and met the required thresholds in 16 of 17 municipalities.
- Local results varied, with Aachen near 76.3% approval and Cologne, the proposed leading city, at 57.4%, while Herten missed the minimum turnout without affecting the overall endorsement.
- The German Olympic Sports Confederation plans to choose a single national concept on 26 September using an evaluation matrix that weighs public backing alongside international competitiveness, operational fit, and financing.
- All four German bidders must file revised concepts by 4 June, and NRW’s plan leans on existing venues, including staging swimming in the Arena auf Schalke, and targets about 14 million tickets to boost attendance without major new builds.
- NRW’s strong vote heightens pressure on rivals, with Hamburg set for a 31 May referendum and Berlin proceeding without a public vote, as officials say enthusiasm since Paris 2024 has reduced skepticism and could shape the DOSB’s assessment.