Germany is taking significant steps to bolster its civil defense capabilities in response to rising tensions with Russia. Authorities are working on plans to convert metro stations and public buildings into air raid shelters, reflecting growing fears of a potential conflict.
The Federal Office for Civil Protection has started identifying structures that can be repurposed as shelters, as well as developing a mobile app to help citizens locate safe zones in an emergency, according to Bild newspaper. Officials are also encouraging the public to create shelters in their own homes, such as in basements.
Germany largely dismantled its public bunker network starting in 2007, deeming it unnecessary in the post-Cold War era. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, ongoing threats against nations supporting Kyiv, and Moscow’s hybrid warfare against Europe have prompted a dramatic reassessment.
Currently, Germany has only 579 public shelters, with space for approximately 500,000 people—far short of what would be needed for its population of 84.4 million. Ralph Tiesler, head of the Federal Office for Civil Protection, has warned that building a new network of bunkers could take an entire generation, necessitating quicker solutions such as repurposing existing structures.
The opposition Christian Democrats (CDU) party has criticized the government’s preparedness, urging swift action to increase shelter capacity. Andrea Lindholz, a CDU MP, emphasized the urgency, stating, “Even though we hope that this situation doesn’t arise, we must be prepared to protect the public in the event of an emergency.”
Germany is looking to neighboring Poland as a model. Poland has committed to ensuring that all new buildings constructed from 2026 onward include access to shelters. The country has also identified temporary shelters, such as metro stations, to ensure the entire population has protection in an emergency.
As concerns over European security grow, Germany’s renewed focus on civil defense highlights the challenges of preparing for potential large-scale conflicts in a modern era.
