Germany strengthens shelter infrastructure because of war in Ukraine

Russian War in Ukraine led to a major policy shift in Germany, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledging to increase defense spending and inject 100 billion euros ($109 billion) into the military.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told Welt am Sonntag newspaper that the German government was also looking at upgrading public shelter systems and would increase spending on civil protection.

“There are currently 599 public shelters in Germany. We will check if it is possible to further upgrade such systems. In any case, the dismantling has stopped,” Ms. Faeser said.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said Germany was working on new ideas to enhance underground car parks, metro stations and basements as possible shelters.

The federal government has also spent 88 million euros ($95.7 million) on the installation of the new siren system, she said.

Germany will also stock up with crisis stockpiles, including medical equipment, protective clothing, masks or medicine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government official added.