Germany revisits Cold War-era plans, explores metro stations as air raid shelters

In a move that harkens back to Cold War-era fears, Germany is considering repurposing public spaces, including metro stations and office buildings, as emergency air raid shelters, according to The Telegraph. The decision follows mounting concerns about escalating tensions with Russia, triggered by President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and continued threats aimed at countries aiding Kyiv in its defense.

The German government, which dismantled much of its public shelter infrastructure after the Cold War, is now scrambling to address the nation’s vulnerability to potential airstrikes. A significant portion of the country’s civil defense network was decommissioned in 2007 when authorities concluded that the risk of major conflict had decreased. But as the situation in Ukraine continues to worsen and Putin’s rhetoric becomes more aggressive, officials are reassessing the nation’s preparedness.

Ralph Tiesler, head of the Federal Office for Civil Protection, confirmed that the country’s existing shelter capacity is insufficient, with only 579 public shelters available, able to accommodate around 500,000 people—far fewer than needed for a nation of over 84 million. In response, the government is developing a mobile app to help citizens locate nearby shelters in the event of an attack. Authorities are also urging citizens to create makeshift shelters in their homes, particularly in basements, to help fill the gap.

“An entire generation may pass before we can fully rebuild our bunker network,” Tiesler said, highlighting the challenge of reestablishing the robust civil defense infrastructure seen in the 20th century. “In the meantime, we must find more immediate solutions.”

In addition to the app, Germany is compiling a list of alternative spaces that could be converted into shelters, including metro stations and government offices. The government plans to launch an awareness campaign to educate the public on how to protect themselves in the event of an emergency.

The initiative has drawn mixed reactions from the political establishment. The opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has criticized the government’s slow response to the growing threat. “We must prepare for the worst, even if we hope that such a situation will never arise,” said CDU MP Andrea Lindholz. She emphasized that Germany needs to urgently expand its shelter capacity to match the threats facing Europe.

Lindholz also pointed to neighboring Poland, which has been proactive in bolstering its own civil defense. Poland has already identified metro stations, tunnels, and other structures as “temporary shelters” that could protect its entire population in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, Poland’s new building regulations, set to take effect in 2026, will mandate that all new structures include access to shelters.

In contrast, Germany’s preparations appear more fragmented. While the country still possesses some remnants of its Cold War-era bunkers, there is growing concern about the adequacy of current resources. The Federal Office for Civil Protection’s new strategy, involving the use of metro stations and other public buildings, reflects an attempt to adapt to the modern realities of potential warfare.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has its own history of preparing for the worst, with 276 designated bomb shelters in place, according to Subterranea Britannica. These shelters were designed with the possibility of a nuclear strike in mind, but they are part of the broader civil defense network that has kept the U.K. ready for emergencies.