Germany Prepares War Shelters Amid Fears of Russian Attack in Europe

Germany is ramping up plans to rapidly expand its network of bomb-resistant shelters amid fears of a potential Russian attack within the next four years, according to a senior government official responsible for civil protection. Ralph Tiesler, head of the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), stated that Germany, as Europe’s largest economy, must wake up to the reality of conflicts and admitted that the country is not adequately prepared if Russia were to invade. For a long time, there was a widespread belief in Germany that war was not something to prepare for, but this has changed. Concerns are rising about the risk of a major offensive war in Europe. Tiesler called for national efforts to identify and convert tunnels, subway stations, underground garages, parking lots, and public buildings into protective shelters to quickly create space for one million people. He noted that relying solely on building new shelters would be too time-consuming and expensive, emphasizing the need to examine existing structures more closely and immediately. Among the approximately 2,000 shelters remaining from the Cold War, only around 580 are operational, capable of protecting roughly 480,000 individuals—just half a percent of Germany’s population. In contrast, Finland boasts 50,000 shelters accommodating 4.8 million people, or 85% of its population. Tiesler also emphasized improving information systems like apps and road signs to inform the public where to seek shelter and upgrading warning sirens while better securing existing warning applications against hackers. The government under Friedrich Merz is urged to fund these initiatives using billions freed by suspending Germany’s debt brake in March, allowing significant spending on the military, critical infrastructure, and civilian defense. Intelligence services and cybersecurity structures also compete for these funds. Tiesler estimated needing at least €10 billion over the next four years for civil defense and €30 billion in the next decade. He also proposed creating mandatory or voluntary civil protection services, urging citizens to store emergency supplies in case of energy and water shortages. ‘Our appeal is: gather enough supplies to last ten days if possible,’ he said, echoing similar calls from other European governments. ‘Even a supply for at least 72 hours would be very useful.’ The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has sparked fears in other countries, especially Baltic states, Poland, and Germany, that Moscow might open new fronts in Europe. On the night of June 6, 2025, Russian forces launched missile and bombing strikes on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, killing three people and injuring 22. Mayor Ihor Terekhov described it as the strongest attack since the war began.