Germany: Defence ministry bans use of military property for civilian purposes

The defence ministry prohibits the conversion of military properties and their civilian use. The reason is the increased demand for military locations due to the planned expansion of the armed forces, the ministry announced. According to the Defence Ministry in Berlin, freezing the conversion initially affects 187 former military owners owned by the Federal Agency for real estate. They are essentially suitable for use by Bundeswehr, according to the ministry. In addition, there are 13 other properties still operated by the Bundeswehr, which will not be removed from use against previous decisions.

They include the former Fürstenfeldbrock air base and parts of Tegel Airport in Berlin. These spaces will be added to a strategic “resert of soil” to ensure short-term availability if necessary.

Concern for Lads and municipalities

This ban partially impedes existing land and municipalities' plans for civilian use of land. Neils Hilmer, the secretary of state responsible at the Ministry of Defence, explained that the government is fully aware of the implications of the decision and is trying to take into account existing civilian plans.

The process of converting Bundeswehr property for civilian use began in the early 1990s in Germany, when Bundeswehr was significantly reduced after the end of the Cold War. It continued in 2010 after military recruiting was suspended. In many of these spaces in the former Bundeswehr barracks, apartments have been built. / DW/Periscope.