After decades of downsizing, Germany’s Bundeswehr is set to expand its forces. Consequently, the Ministry of Defense has banned the conversion of military properties for civilian use, affecting municipalities and federal states.
The ministry stated that the freeze applies initially to 187 former military properties owned by the Federal Real Estate Agency, which are now deemed essential for Bundeswehr use. Additionally, 13 active military sites, including the former Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base and parts of Berlin’s Tegel Airport, will be retained in a strategic land reserve to ensure short-term availability if needed.
This decision partially disrupts existing civilian plans for these lands. Nils Hilmer, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defense, emphasized that the government is aware of the implications and is considering ongoing civilian projects.
The process of converting Bundeswehr properties for civilian use began in the early 1990s, following the military’s reduction after the Cold War, and continued in the 2010s after recruitment pauses. Many former barracks have since been repurposed into apartments and civilian facilities.
