Poland bolsters civil defense amid Russian threat
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In Poland, companies like Emer Security Shelters in Łask are responding to fears of Russian aggression by building private, underground shelters for families.
Increased tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prompted demand from high-income earners for these units, which cost around €80,000 before installation and customization. The shelters can accommodate four to six people and include amenities like beds, a kitchen, and an air filtration system, though they are primarily intended for short-term use.
However, officials acknowledge Poland’s public shelter capacity is critically low. A 2024 report revealed that shelters and protective spaces cover only about 4% of the population, with less than 1% being fully sealed and ventilated. After decades of neglect following the Cold War, the Polish government is now working to address this gap. New legislation requires developers to include shelter space, at least underground garages, in new buildings.
The government has allocated approximately €4 billion in funding for 2024 and 2025 to renovate existing shelters and construct new ones, and has launched an interactive map showing available temporary shelter spaces. Poland is also looking to other Nordic countries like Finland, where 85% of residents have access to purpose-built shelters, for guidance.
