Germany’s aging and decrepit bunker network is in dire need of a major overhaul, according to Ralph Tiesler, head of the federal agency tasked with nationwide civil protection. The Federal Agency for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (BBK) President stated that Germany’s belief that war was not a scenario to prepare for has changed, and Russia could attempt an attack on Europe within four years.
Currently, Germany has only 580 operational bunkers, down from nearly 2,000 during the Cold War. This leaves just 5% of the population able to seek shelter in the event of an attack, with a population of over 83 million people. To address this, Tiesler plans to upgrade tunnels, metro stations, and public buildings to create one million new shelter spaces.
The BBK will present its full plan for expansion by summer, but funding remains a major concern. The agency estimates that it will need at least €10 billion in the next four years and up to €30 billion over the following decade to complete the overhaul. However, other priorities may take precedence, including modernizing Germany’s army, which has been underfunded and struggles to meet recruitment targets.
The government is considering introducing mandatory military service as a solution to address manpower shortages. Tiesler also suggested a voluntary civil defense service that would allow individuals to choose between civilian or military service. With Russia seen as a growing threat, Germany must act quickly to strengthen its defenses and protect its citizens.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/08/europe/germany-outdated-bunkers-russia-intl