Bevölkerungsschutz: Keine neuen Bunker: Was Dobrindt stattdessen plant

Bundesinnenminister Alexander Dobrindt insists that Germany will not construct new bunkers despite the threat from Russia. Instead, he advocates for alternative solutions to protect the population. However, key questions about civilian defense still remain unresolved, according to the Landkreis Tag. Dobrindt emphasized the need for a plan on civil defense, which involves the management of civil authorities and organizations in wartime hazards or the worst internal emergencies.

He stressed that military defense alone is insufficient, and without an equally capable civil defense, it will not suffice.

Instead of new bunkers, Dobrindt suggested that alternative objects with protective capabilities should be identified and made digitally accessible. These could include underground parking garages, tunnels, and other suitable locations. A structured database, in collaboration with the states, is being established to record and make these assets available digitally to the public. The aim is to ensure that people can quickly locate the nearest shelter at the place where they find themselves during an emergency.

The timeline for completing this project was not disclosed by the minister. The federal government has been considering this issue since the beginning of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. Several German politicians have visited Finland and the Baltic states to observe protective facilities. The federal government will provide the necessary financial resources for digitalization and data integration.

Dobrindt also announced the development of a Mobile Betreuungsmodul 5000, which contains equipment to provide care to 5000 people, and plans to make it more modular.

Landkreis Tag President Achim Brötel, who is also the Landrat of Baden-Württemberg, highlighted important questions about responsibilities in the event of a crisis. He asked who would coordinate evacuations, organize emergency accommodations, and determine how long administrative bodies should remain self-sufficient. He also questioned the specific requirements for hospitals, emergency control rooms, or water and energy supply.

Brötel inquired about the civil tasks that arise from Germany's role as a NATO transit country. Dobrindt remained vague, mentioning a "Civil Defense Command" under construction, which will serve as a coordinating body for a stronger linkage between civil and military planning.