Germany Plans Rapid Expansion of Bomb Shelters Amid Russia Tensions

Germany is urgently planning to expand and modernize its network of bomb shelters in response to increasing concerns about a potential Russian attack, with the head of the Federal Office for Civil Protection, Ralph Tiesler, emphasizing the country's current inadequate preparedness. Germany currently has about 580 operational Cold War-era bunkers that can shelter only around 480,000 people, roughly 0.5% of the population, far less than countries like Finland, which protects 85% of its citizens. Given the lengthy and costly process of building new shelters, Germany aims to repurpose existing infrastructure such as tunnels, subway stations, underground garages, parking lots, and public building basements to create space for up to one million people. Tiesler also highlighted the need to improve public information systems, including warning sirens and apps, to guide citizens to shelters effectively while protecting these systems from cyberattacks. The government is expected to allocate significant funding for these efforts, potentially drawing on funds made available after suspending the debt brake earlier this year to boost defense and civil protection. This initiative reflects a shift in Germany's civil defense strategy, acknowledging the heightened risk of major aggression in Europe amid ongoing tensions with Russia.