In a response to escalating tensions with Russia, Germany is in the process of compiling a comprehensive list of bunkers designated for emergency civilian shelter, as announced by the interior ministry on Monday. This initiative comes amidst rising fears regarding security and potential threats from the east.
The proposed list will encompass a variety of structures capable of providing refuge. This includes underground train stations and car parks, alongside state-owned buildings and even private properties. To facilitate easier access, there are plans to develop a digital directory through a dedicated phone application, enabling citizens to swiftly locate these emergency shelters in times of need.
The initiative extends beyond public infrastructure. The interior ministry is also promoting the idea for individuals to establish protective shelters within their own residences by repurposing basements and garages. During a recent press briefing, a ministry spokesman highlighted the project’s expansive scope, noting that it will involve collaboration with the Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, among other authorities. However, specifics regarding the timeline for this extensive project remain unclear, with officials acknowledging that it will require considerable time to implement effectively.
Germany currently possesses 579 bunkers, a significant reduction from the approximately 2,000 that existed previously. Most of these shelters date back to the World War II and Cold War periods, capable of accommodating around 480,000 individuals. Plans for enhancing the country’s civil defense were initially discussed in June during a conference attended by senior officials, and a specialized group is now tasked with further exploring these proposals.
The impetus for these developments has intensified since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with mounting fears that Moscow could potentially target other NATO allies in the future. Recent assessments from German intelligence agencies project that Russia may be positioned to launch an attack on NATO by the year 2030. In light of this, German officials have observed an uptick in Russian espionage and sabotage activities on their territory.
Adding to these concerns, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently characterized the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as bearing traits of a “global” war, suggesting a willingness to extend military actions toward Western nations. This multifaceted approach to civil defense illustrates Germany’s commitment to enhancing national security in an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical landscape.
