Germany is in the process of developing a proposal aimed at increasing the number of shelters available for civilians. This initiative involves assessing both public and private facilities that could potentially be repurposed, as stated by the German interior ministry.

According to a ministry spokesperson on Monday, options for conversion include basements, underground parking garages, and subway stations. Additionally, a dedicated app will provide information on the nearest available bunkers.

The “bunker plan,” first reported by Bild newspaper, is being formulated in light of escalating international threats. However, the spokesperson did not elaborate on the current threat landscape or provide a timeline for when the proposal will be finalized.

Civil protection organizations in Germany have been advocating for a more rapid expansion of shelter options, including the construction of facilities capable of accommodating up to 5,000 individuals in a short timeframe.

Currently, there are 579 public shelters designated for civil protection, with a total capacity of approximately 480,000 people.

Since Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Germany has increasingly prioritized its defense strategies on home soil, amid concerns of a broader conflict in Europe.

In a reflection of the pressing need for preparedness, a senior NATO military official urged businesses on Monday to ready themselves for potential wartime scenarios and to modify their production and distribution processes to reduce vulnerability to coercion from nations like Russia and China.

Under Operation Plan Germany, which was reported by German media earlier this month, federal and state governments, along with the military, security agencies, and emergency services, are collaborating on strategies to defend the nation in the event of a conflict.

According to a spokesperson from the German defense ministry last week, the confidential plan includes regular invitations for state army representatives to brief businesses on key considerations for their preparedness efforts.