Ministry of Defense stops conversion: Bavaria has to rethink!

Ministry of Defense stops conversion: Bavaria has to rethink!

The Defense Ministry's decision to temporarily suspend the conversion of military properties into civilian areas is causing a stir. Loud Bavarian state newspaper The reason is that the need for military locations has increased sharply due to the planned expansion of the Bundeswehr. It initially affects 187 former properties that are owned by the Federal Real Estate Agency (BImA), as well as 13 other properties that are still operated by the Bundeswehr, including parts of Tegel Airport in Berlin and the former air base in Fürstenfeldbruck.

This decision could have a negative impact on municipal plans for civil use of these areas. “We have to take the municipalities’ existing plans seriously,” emphasized Nils Hilmer, State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense. The properties are fundamentally suitable for military use and should be included in the “Strategic Property Reserve of the Bundeswehr”, which means that they can be put back into operational use at short notice if necessary.

Background of the decision

The Bundeswehr has continued the transformation process that began in the early 1990s after the end of the Cold War in recent years, especially after the suspension of compulsory military service. But with the changing security situation and the increased need for military facilities, this strategy is now being questioned, as is the Time reported. The expansion of the armed forces is seen as necessary and could offer new opportunities for local and state governments.

These changes affect approximately 200 properties that will now be subject to a moratorium. Hilmer recognized the significance of the decision and emphasized the need for dialogue with the affected states and municipalities. “It is important that we consider existing planning to find solutions that protect both military and community interests,” he said. Especially at a time when numerous residential projects have already been built on former military land, stopping the conversion could also have a major impact on state planning.

The future of real estate

What does this mean for the communities affected? A painful interruption to existing plans or perhaps even a chance for redesign? The Bundeswehr plans to continue to keep local interests in mind. Discussions should be held with the affected countries, cities and municipalities in cases where there is an urgent need for conversion in order to find a solution. The pressure on local decision-makers is growing and time will tell how quickly and effectively these discussions can take place.

In summary, it can be said that the Bundeswehr's suspension of the conversion of military properties is a far-reaching decision that affects numerous civil society plans. “A good hand” is required to build a bridge between military and civilian interests so that both the Bundeswehr and the municipalities can meet their needs, as well Deutschlandfunk reported. It remains to be seen what solutions will be found and how the situation will develop in the coming months.