Germany asks government to restore closed bomb shelters
Germany asks government to restore closed bomb shelters (photo: Getty Images)
The German Union of Cities and Communities called on the federal government to think not only about rearming the Bundeswehr, but also about protecting civilians.
The head of the association, Andre Berghegger, said that security can no longer be taken for granted.
"It's not just about making the Bundeswehr defensible. In general, it is about protecting the population from the dangers associated with wars," said Mr. Berghegger.
According to the head of the association, the protection of civilians in Germany is a joint task of federal, state, and local authorities. According to him, this will require at least one billion euros over the next ten years, and this is not money from the special fund for re-equipping the armed forces.
In particular, the head of the German Union of Cities and Communities called for an increase in the number of bomb shelters in the country. Of the two thousand civilian shelters from the Cold War, only 600 remain, which can accommodate about 500,000 people.
"There is an urgent need to bring the decommissioned shelters back into operation," said Berghegger.
In addition, he believes it is necessary to build new, modern shelters and install additional air raid sirens.
Earlier, Germany proposed to reinstate compulsory military service.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius instructed to develop a model of military service by April 1 that should contribute to the country's resilience.
