Press­ Release

Legal dispute over water and sewage connections resolved / FBB and MAWV sign agreement on development costs for BER

Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH (FBB) and the Märkische Abwasser- und Wasserzweckverband (MAWV) utility association have settled their long-standing dispute regarding connection fee charges. With the conclusion of the opposition proceedings against several notices issued by MAWV regarding connection fees, FBB has now paid a total of around EUR 5.45 million for its connections to the water and sewage systems. On 21 April 2021, an agreement was signed between FBB´s Chief Executive Officer Engelbert Lütke Daldrup, the Chairman of the MAWV Association Meeting, Henri Urchs, and the MAWV Association Chairman, Peter Sczepanski.

The background was differing views on the application of parameters for the calculation of water and sewage contributions for the new Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt Airport (BER). This also dealt with the problem of the subsequent assessment of so-called pre-1990 connections. This refers to the properties that were already connected to the systems of today’s associations in the GDR era. MAWV had issued subsequent payment demands for this, which caused long-standing debates and, above all, kept the courts busy. For FBB, this notably related to areas of the old Schönefeld Airport.

As a result, FBB is now paying for its pre-1990 connections in the Schönefeld district. MAWV also adjusted some of its notices regarding the calculation of development costs for BER on the basis of the latest case law and to avoid years of legal disputes.

MAWV Association Chairman Peter Sczepanski: “For me as Association Chairman, it was important that decisions regarding the airport were made on the same terms as any other property in the association territory, based on the principle of equality. The end of the opposition proceedings marks the resolution of a dispute of more than 14 years between the association and one of its largest customers, FBB. We look forward to a continuing constructive cooperation.”

Engelbert Lütke Daldrup, Chief Executive Officer of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH: “We are pleased that the long-standing dispute over water and sewage development charges has been constructively resolved. This saves both sides lengthy legal disputes. The airport company had already paid the fees demanded by MAWV in full and is now even being reimbursed part of the money. This helps us in a tight financial situation.”