The Olympics on your doorstep? What the bid could mean for Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr, among other things - and how we at REWE Group are looking at it.
Germany is discussing a possible bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. As REWE Group, we are an official supporter of the German Olympic Sports Confederation's business initiative in favour of a German Olympic bid. We are consciously supporting all German locations that are involved in the topic - Munich, Berlin, Hamburg and also Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr. In doing so, we are supporting the approach of developing a sustainable and economically viable bid. We are supporting the process and contributing our experience - as part of an initiative that aims to provide new impetus for infrastructure, business and sport.
Our CEO Lionel Souque sees the Olympic Games above all as an opportunity for the development of regions: "Major sporting events can weld regions together and trigger long-term investments that benefit the population even after the Games," says Lionel Souque.
„Major sporting events can weld regions together and trigger long-term investments that benefit the population even after the games.“ Lionel Souque
A bid could provide new impetus for infrastructure, mobility and urban development, among other things - and make the region that wins the bid more visible internationally. Industries such as tourism, trade and logistics would also benefit.
At the same time, it is clear that such a project needs to be well planned to succeed. "However, it is important that the whole thing is planned sustainably - then the opportunity can be greater than any risk."
The public debate also centres on possible risks - such as high costs and ecological impact. These concerns are understandable and important. According to Souque, hosting the event would only make sense if it is implemented in an ecologically responsible, economically viable and socially balanced way.
"For us as REWE Group, it's not about short-term effects, but about supporting strong, liveable regions in the long term," says Lionel Souque.
As a local supplier, REWE Group would also be called upon to play a very practical role if the event were to be organised - for example, by supplying guests and residents. The decisive factor remains the long-term added value for society.
Even though Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr is of particular importance to REWE Group, we see the Olympics as an opportunity for Germany. From REWE Group's point of view, the acceptance of another bid from Germany would also be a win - for the people, the regions and the future development of sport and infrastructure.
On 19 April 2026, a referendum will be held in all 17 participating municipalities in the Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr region. A total of around 4.3 million people are entitled to vote - around 814,000 in Cologne alone.
The voting documents were sent out automatically by post between 19 and 27 March 2026. Participation is only possible by letter. Important: The completed ballot paper must be received by the electoral office by 4 p.m. on 19 April 2026 at the latest.
Voting will be based on the same question everywhere: "Are you in favour of your city/municipality participating in the joint bid of the Cologne/Rhine/Ruhr region for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036, 2040 or 2044?"
A minimum participation of 10 per cent is required for a valid result. If one side achieves a majority and this quorum, the result is binding for the city.
On this basis, the next step is for the German Olympic Sports Confederation to decide on Germany's further bid in the international selection process.