For more than half a year, a protest camp in the woods near the Tesla-factory in Grünheide near Berlin. The camp, which originally consisted of a few tents and tree houses, has developed into a real settlement. Around 20 tree houses provide shelter for the activists, supplemented by workshops, toilets and even a marketplace. The squatters are protesting against the planned plant expansion of Tesla, The squatters are protesting against the planned expansion of the plant, which involves clearing more woodland to make way for a goods station and logistics areas.
A sustainable protest: Why the activists are staying
The activists have been on site since February 27, 2024 and show no signs of giving up the camp. They are determined to survive the coming winter to protect the forest. According to a spokesperson for the initiative "Tesla stoppen" initiative, the fight is far from over: "Unfortunately, the forest is not yet saved." Despite the changing occupation, around 20 people are constantly holding their ground, which prevents protest fatigue from setting in.
Unclear legal situation and official tolerance
The protest camp has so far been spared eviction, although this has been on the cards at times. The Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court rejected a complaint by the police demanding the tree houses be removed. Since then, the protest has been relatively quiet. Regular inspections by the assembly authorities and the state forestry department have not led to any deterioration in the situation.
However, the camp is still a problem for the Brandenburg Ministry of the Interior. A spokeswoman emphasized that the legal situation regarding protest camps in forests, especially with tree houses, is still unclear. There are also concerns about possible ordnance from the Second World War that could be discovered in the planned expansion area.
Controversial plant expansion: the aim of the protests
The plant expansion has long been a point of contention in the region. Originally, large areas of forest were to be cleared, but after massive opposition, the plans were adjusted so that fewer trees had to be felled. Despite these adjustments, the activists are firmly opposed to the plans, while the municipality of Grünheide has approved the new version of the development plan.
The Brandenburg Ministry of Economic Affairs takes a critical view of the protests and considers them detrimental to Germany as a business location. The municipality approved the plan by a large majority, which is why the ministry currently has no concerns. Also Tesla itself is keeping a low profile with regard to the protest camp and has not yet made any official statements.
Impending escalation: "hot phase" ahead
The activists see Tesla in a weakened position due to the delayed expansion. They interpret the restrained expansion as a sign that the company is no longer perceived as a flagship project. Tesla The company disagrees and sees the slow growth as a reaction to market developments in the automotive sector.
Before Tesla the plant expansion can go ahead, however, the company still has to acquire the necessary woodland from the state forest. As soon as this sale becomes concrete, the activists expect the protest to escalate again. There were already violent clashes in May when activists attempted to storm the factory premises. Should the sale come closer, various initiatives are planning further demonstrations and actions.
