Europe is increasing security measures against the rising threat from Russia. Germany is updating its Cold War-era shelter systems and preparing new protected areas.

Ralph Tiesler, head of the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, stated that Germany may face a real risk of war in the coming years. Therefore, metro stations and other areas will be quickly transformed into bomb-resistant shelters.

It is noted that the existing shelters in Germany are insufficient. Out of approximately 2,000 shelters, only 580 are operational. This situation is reshaping the security perception in Europe.

Tiesler emphasized that physical preparations alone are not enough, and digital alert systems need to be modernized. Strengthening sirens and disseminating alerts through mobile applications are planned.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the security perception in Europe has changed. Germany's move is seen as an important threshold in strengthening Europe's civil defense reflexes.