Germany is ramping up civil defense preparations in response to heightened tensions with Russia, announcing plans to convert metro stations and public buildings into bomb shelters. The Federal Office for Civil Protection is spearheading the initiative as part of broader efforts to address the lack of adequate shelter space for its population of 84.4 million.
Currently, Germany has only 579 public shelters, enough for roughly half a million people. With such limited capacity, officials are racing to identify metro stations, office buildings, and other public spaces that can be adapted for emergency use. A mobile app is also under development to guide citizens to the nearest available shelters.
The push for preparedness comes as fears of Russian aggression grow. Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, coupled with threats against nations supporting Kyiv, has forced Germany to rethink its civil defense strategy. The dismantling of its bunker network in 2007, considered unnecessary at the time, has left the country unprepared for potential large-scale conflicts.
Ralph Tiesler, head of the Federal Office for Civil Protection, has cautioned that building a new bunker network from scratch could take a generation. To address immediate needs, Germany is encouraging residents to set up personal shelters in basements and other secure areas within their homes.
The opposition Christian Democrats (CDU) have criticized the government’s slow response. Andrea Lindholz, a CDU MP, emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “We must be prepared to protect the public in the event of an emergency.” She pointed to Poland’s example, where new construction from 2026 onward will include shelter access.
As Germany accelerates efforts to enhance civil defense, these measures reflect growing European concerns over security in the face of escalating tensions with Russia.
