Civil protection: Shelters with one million places to be built

Due to growing conflicts in Europe, the head of civil protection wants to quickly create more shelters in Germany. "New bunkers with very high protection requirements cost a lot of money and time," Ralph Tiesler, President of the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), told the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." "We need a faster solution. Therefore, we want to upgrade tunnels, subway stations, underground garages, and basements of public buildings into shelters. We will quickly create one million shelter spaces."

According to the newspaper, the civil protection agency's plans include allowing people to stay overnight in these public spaces if necessary. There will be food, restrooms, and perhaps even camp beds. Apps and signs will point people to the spaces. According to Tiesler, the agency plans to present a shelter concept in the summer.

The plans are based on growing concerns that Russia could attack NATO territory in a few years. "For a long time, there was a widespread belief in Germany that war was not a scenario we needed to prepare for," said Tiesler. "That has changed. We are concerned about the risk of a major war of aggression in Europe."

Given the planned expansion and other plans, such as the modernization of the alarm system, the BBK president expects costs in the billions. "The tasks in civil protection are enormous," emphasized Tiesler. "We need at least ten billion euros over the next four years. In the next decade, the need will be at least 30 billion euros."