Tsiviilkasutusse

Tsiviilkasutusse is the process of transferring assets from military or defence-related use to civilian use. In Estonian public administration, it refers to repurposing land, buildings, equipment, or infrastructure that have previously served defence or security functions for non-military purposes. The aim is to improve efficiency of state property, stimulate local development, or address civilian needs while ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.

Legal framework and governance: The transfer is governed by Estonian property law, state asset management rules, and defence legislation. Decisions typically involve the Ministry of Defence, the State Property Agency, and relevant authorities, with assessment of safety, environmental impact, and market value. Depending on the asset, transfers can be via sale, lease, donation, or reclassification. Public use may require urban planning approvals and potential remediation.

Typical assets include former airfields, training grounds, military housing, warehouses, or communications networks repurposed for civilian use, commercial development, housing, or public services. The process usually includes inventory, condition assessment, decommissioning of hazardous materials, budget planning, stakeholder consultations, and formal transfer documents.

Impacts: Tsiviilkasutusse can stimulate regional growth and improve civilian infrastructure but may involve costs and security considerations. Balancing historical usage, ecological concerns, and safety is essential, along with transparency in the transfer process to ensure accountable use of public assets.