Europe Prepares for War: Bunker Apps in Germany and Survival Guides in Finland, Norway and Sweden

(Berlin) – Europe’s Growing Crisis Fears Prompt Civilian War Preparations

Germany and Nordic nations are ramping up civilian preparedness in response to rising tensions across Europe, spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Initiatives range from mobile apps for locating bunkers to survival guides distributed nationwide, underscoring the urgency with which these governments are addressing a heightened sense of vulnerability.

Germany is developing a mobile app to help its citizens locate nearby bunkers, aiming to address the critical shortage of public shelters. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the need to become kriegstüchtig—war-capable—in light of escalating threats. With fewer than 600 public bunkers available for Germany’s 84 million residents, authorities are urging citizens to adapt private spaces, such as basements, for emergency use. Additionally, new housing developments are required to include safe shelters, reflecting a broader shift in urban planning priorities.

In Sweden, a 32-page pamphlet titled In Case of Crisis or War has been distributed nationwide. The guide provides practical advice on essentials like water storage, digital security, and air raid shelters. It also calls on citizens to actively defend democracy if attacked. Somali-born healthcare worker Muna Ayan, who has lived through conflict, remarked, “Having survived war, I know what it means,” highlighting the personal resonance of these measures for many residents.

Neighboring Finland has launched a digital tool, 72tuntia.fi, posing the blunt question, “Would you survive 72 hours?” The website assesses citizens’ readiness and provides detailed advice on cybersecurity, emergency supplies, and psychological resilience. Finland’s proximity to Russia, with a shared 1,340-kilometer border, has made crisis preparedness an ingrained part of its national identity. “The war in Ukraine has been a wake-up call for everyone,” said Suvi Aksela from Finland’s emergency preparedness association.

Norway is also taking proactive steps, distributing brochures nationwide that recommend storing a week’s supply of non-perishable food, cash, and iodine tablets. Elisabeth Sørbøe Aarsæther, head of Norway’s Civil Protection Directorate, explained that these measures reflect a turbulent global climate, including potential nuclear threats.

Europe’s evolving civilian readiness strategies highlight the widespread recognition that conflict is no longer a distant possibility. A Finnish official summarized the sentiment succinctly: “The question is no longer if a crisis could happen but when.”

Rothschild Jobi

Armed with a Laptop and a cup of coffee, Rothschild is on a mission to conquer the news world, one headline at a time.