The government wants to introduce so-called protected spaces to protect more people in wartime, inspired by the Ukraine war. This could provide space for an additional 1.5 million people in areas like tunnels and subway stations. The proposal is presented by Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin.
The war in Ukraine has shown that not only traditional shelters are needed but also other spaces to protect the civilian population. Therefore, the Swedish government proposes introducing 'protected spaces' as a new option. These could include large road tunnels and subway stations, just like in Ukraine.
'– It could involve large road tunnels, it could involve subway stations just as we have seen this type of space come into use in the Ukraine war', says Carl-Oskar Bohlin (M), Minister for Civil Defense.
Today, Sweden has about 64,000 shelters with space for seven million people. A shelter is designed to withstand blast waves, fragments, fire, ionizing radiation, and debris from collapsed buildings. Protected spaces would provide reasonable protection against weapons in war and add another 1.5 million places, mainly in areas lacking shelters.
Sweden stopped building new shelters in 2002, creating 'white spots' on the shelter map in newer developments. At the same time, an upgrade of existing facilities is underway. Bohlin held the press conference at Igeldammsgaraget in Stockholm, the first population shelter renovated after the government's investment. The facility holds 1,200 people and has received new systems for backup power and air purification, with a lifespan of 30 years.
Shelters have been criticized for poor accessibility, as many were built in the 1950s and 1960s in basements. However, Igeldammsgaraget is at ground level. '– But yes, many shelters were built in the 50s and 60s, located in basements and therefore not accessibility-adapted. It's a well-known issue that will simply need to be handled by people helping each other in these types of situations', says Bohlin.
The new spaces are not currently marked on shelter maps, but the legislation will change that.
