The plan includes underground metro stations, parking lots, state buildings and private properties as possible shelter sites. The measures also include food rationing and evacuation strategies in the event of a military crisis in 2030.
German is developing an ambitious plan of civil protection to face possible military threats, updating its national defense strategy for the first time since the Cold War amid growing tension with Russia.
The federal government has begun to Develop a comprehensive list of bunkers and emergency shelters that could protect civilians in the event of an armed conflict, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry revealed on Monday.
The plan includes including underground metro stations, parking lots, state buildings and private properties as possible shelter sites. In addition, a digital application will make it easier for citizens to quickly locate these shelters in an emergency situation.
The spokesman declined to give a timetable, saying it was a “big project” that would take “some time.” The Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance and other authorities will be involved in the plan, he said.
Key points of the plan They were agreed at a meeting of senior officials in June and a special group is now investigating it, the spokesman said.
Currently, Germany has 579 bunkers that can accommodate approximately 480.000 people., most of which were built during World War II and the Cold War. Previously, the country had around 2.000 shelters.
What is Germany's plan in case Russia attacks it?
The initiative is part of the update of the Framework Directive for General Defence (RRGV), which introduces drastic measures to prepare the country for a potential conflict. The provisions include: Possible reintroduction of compulsory military service, food rationing and evacuation strategies.
Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, has emphasized the need to be prepared for potential conflicts by 2029. “Due to Russian aggression, we have completely changed the security situation in Europe”he declared.
The measures respond to the Increased geopolitical tensions, especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. German intelligence chiefs warned in October that Russia could be in a position to launch an attack on NATO in 2030.
The plan also includes bans on people leaving strategic jobs and obligations for media outlets to publish official updates. In extreme situations, such as airstrikes, citizens will have to take refuge in basements, underground parking lots or subway stations.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs would be responsible for implement ration cards and managing food reserves. It is planned to maintain stocks of wheat and oats to ensure at least one hot meal a day for an unspecified period.
The new provisions also prepare the country to move NATO troops through its territory, which would imply that private companies would have to provide infrastructure and vehicles if necessary.
The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, recently warned that the Ukrainian conflict has taken on the characteristics of a “global” war, without ruling out potential attacks on Western powers.
German, a member of NATO since 1955, has increased his defense budget up to 2% of its GDP, meeting the objectives of the Atlantic Alliance for the first time.
The civil preparedness project is currently in the development phase, with the participation of the Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance.