The Norwegian government is preparing for “worst-case scenarios” such as war by resuming the construction of bomb shelters.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Justice and Emergency Preparedness Emilie Enger Mehl are set to present a new report on disaster preparedness to Parliament on Friday. Since 1998, no bomb shelters have been built in Norway. However, the war in Ukraine has demonstrated that bomb shelters save lives. The government, therefore, aims to increase their number across the country.
“There is more uncertainty around us. We must ensure the safety of civilians in the event of a worst-case scenario like war or armed attacks. In such cases, shelters are one of the necessary protective measures,” said Mehl.
The government is proposing two types of shelters:
- Advanced shelters
These will meet modern standards and protect against chemical and radioactive substances as well as high-explosive materials. They will include water supplies, air purification systems, and secure electrical infrastructure. - Simplified shelters
These will offer protection against conventional weapons and could be existing structures such as parking garages, subway tunnels, or other underground facilities that serve dual purposes in everyday life.
“We are now effectively mandating that buildings larger than 1,000 square meters must include shelters,” Mehl added.
Large residential buildings will once again be required to have shelters, a practice last observed before 1998. The additional cost is estimated at around 30,000 kroner (over €2,500) per person. This cost will ultimately be passed on to individuals purchasing apartments in new buildings after January 1, 2026.
