Overview

• Germany's Federal Office for Civil Protection (BBK) is creating a national plan to repurpose existing buildings, such as subway stations and parking garages, into protective shelters.
• The initiative responds to increased international security concerns and builds on a 2023 civil defense strategy developed by the federal government.
• Currently, Germany has 579 public shelters with limited usability, and restoring them to full functionality will require significant investment and time.
• A proposed mobile app could help citizens locate the nearest shelter, though this idea is still under review and not yet confirmed.
• The BBK is not planning to construct new bunkers, focusing instead on faster, cost-effective measures to improve civilian protection.