Tuesday, 26 November
Federal office wants more bunkers, Berlin and Brandenburg without public facilities
The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) and the Interior Ministry are taking steps to reintroduce public bunkers in Germany in light of worsening international relations.
A spokesperson from the Interior Ministry confirmed on Monday that work is underway to draft key points for a national shelter concept, though the process will require more time. The plan includes identifying potential locations such as underground garages, subway stations, and basements, involving both public and private properties.
According to the ministry spokesman, only 579 of Germany’s original 2,000 bunker rooms are currently available. Berlin and Brandenburg have no functioning public shelters, according to the BBK. Following German reunification, many of Berlin’s bunkers were sold to private owners and repurposed, and Brandenburg never incorporated its facilities into a unified national protection plan after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Experts highlight challenges, including the limited reachability of central shelters during emergencies. However, the BBK notes that Germany’s solid building standards provide a degree of protection, with most basements capable of shielding against explosions and debris.
This renewed focus on civil defense marks a significant shift after shelter maintenance stopped in Germany in 2007, signaling a response to a changing global security landscape.
