The government is proposing two types of shelters: new ones designed to protect against chemical and radioactive weapons, and others meant to shield against conventional weapons.

The Norwegian government has announced its intention to reinstate the requirement to build bombproof shelters in new buildings, a rule that was abolished back in 1998.

„The uncertainty around us is increasing. We must ensure the safety of the civilian population in the event of the worst-case scenario, such as war or armed attack,”

Emilie Enger Mehl, Norway’s Justice and Public Security minister, said in an interview with public broadcaster NRK. „In such cases, shelters are one of the necessary protective measures,” she added. Until 1998, every large residential complex in Norway was required to have a bunker, but no new shelters have been built since. Mehl stated that the new requirement would apply to complexes larger than 1,000 square meters.

Norway to resume building bomb shelters after 25 years. New shelters will range from high-tech bunkers with air purification to simpler ones in garages or subway tunnels. Starting 2026, buildings over 1,196 sq yards must include shelters, costing ~€2,500/person. Justice… pic.twitter.com/aZZVXvoUtx

— Iuliia Mendel (@IuliiaMendel) January 10, 2025

The government proposes two types of shelters: new ones designed to protect against chemical and radioactive weapons, and others that could be converted from metro stations or parking garages to defend against conventional weapons.

The measure is part of a comprehensive preparedness report containing over 100 recommendations aimed at strengthening Norway’s readiness not only for a potential war but also for extreme weather, pandemics, and other crises.

„Russia’s willingness to use military force to achieve political goals demonstrates that Norway will likely be facing the presence of an unpredictable and risky neighbor for a long time,”

the report states.