Federal Parliament Addresses Future of Stasi Records Archive and Bundesarchiv Masterplan
Berlin, Germany – July 2, 2025 – The German Federal Parliament has today published Drucksache 21/734, a “Kleine Anfrage” (Minor Inquiry) titled “Die Standortentwicklung des Stasi-Unterlagen-Archivs und der Masterplan Bundesarchiv 2035” (The Site Development of the Stasi Records Archive and the Federal Archives Masterplan 2035). This publication signifies a formal parliamentary engagement with the crucial questions surrounding the future physical and strategic direction of both the Stasi Records Archive and the broader Federal Archives.
The document, made public by the Bundestag at 10:00 AM, indicates a proactive move by parliamentarians to seek detailed information and potentially influence policy regarding these vital national institutions. The “Kleine Anfrage” is a procedural tool allowing members of parliament to formally request information from the federal government on specific matters.
The dual focus of this inquiry highlights a recognized interconnectedness between the development of the Stasi Records Archive and the overarching strategic planning of the Federal Archives. The Stasi Records Archive, responsible for preserving and making accessible the vast documentary legacy of the former East German Ministry for State Security, plays a critical role in historical research, remembrance, and political education. Its physical location and infrastructure are therefore of significant public interest.
Similarly, the “Masterplan Bundesarchiv 2035” suggests a forward-looking vision for the Federal Archives, encompassing its various branches, collections, and future operational needs. This plan likely addresses issues such as digitization, storage capacity, research accessibility, and potentially the integration or coordination of different archival institutions.
While the full content of the inquiry is not detailed in the initial publication announcement, the title itself points towards several key areas of parliamentary interest. These could include:
- Site Development of the Stasi Records Archive: This may involve inquiries into the current state of the archive’s facilities, any plans for expansion, relocation, or modernization, and the associated logistical and financial considerations. The goal is likely to ensure the long-term security, accessibility, and preservation of these historically significant records.
- The Federal Archives Masterplan 2035: This aspect of the inquiry is expected to delve into the strategic objectives and planned developments for the entire Federal Archives network over the next decade. This could encompass advancements in digital archiving, preservation techniques, research infrastructure, and how the archives will adapt to future challenges in information management and public access.
- Synergies and Coordination: The joint mention of both the Stasi Records Archive and the Federal Archives Masterplan suggests that parliamentarians are keen to understand how these two entities, or aspects of their development, align and potentially complement each other. This could involve discussions on shared resources, integrated digital platforms, or coordinated strategic planning.
The publication of this “Kleine Anfrage” underscores the ongoing commitment of the German Bundestag to transparency and oversight of national heritage institutions. It provides a formal platform for the government to report on its strategies and for parliamentarians to seek clarification and ensure responsible stewardship of Germany’s historical memory and archival resources. The responses to this inquiry, when published, will be of significant interest to historians, researchers, civil society, and the general public alike.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
Drucksachen published ’21/734: Kleine Anfrage Die Standortentwicklung des Stasi-Unterlagen-Archivs und der Masterplan Bundesarchiv 2035 (PDF)’ at 2025-07-02 10:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.