Switzerland is looking to restore its network of old nuclear shelters, which are increasingly viewed as valuable resources in times of global insecurity, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Thanks to a 1963 law, the country is already ahead of neighbors like Germany. In Switzerland, each of its 9 million residents, including foreigners and refugees, is guaranteed a place in a bunker to protect against bombs and nuclear radiation.
“In the coming years, the (Swiss) Confederation aims to remove some exceptions from current rules and renovate certain older shelters,” stated Louis-Henri Delarageaz, the civil protection commander for the canton of Vaud.
The government initiated consultations in October to ensure Switzerland’s “resilience in the event of armed conflict” and plans to invest 220 million Swiss francs (250 million dollars) to modernize older facilities.
“This doesn’t mean we are preparing for conflict – that’s not the message – but we have a network of shelters, and we must maintain and ensure they are functional,” he added.
In the village of Bercher, in the canton of Vaud, civil protection officers in orange overalls recently inspected a bunker beneath a residential building as part of a mandatory ten-year inspection.
One officer tried to close the bunker door, but it wouldn’t budge. A ventilator wedged between flowerpots and stone decorations was deemed operational, but the exit tunnel, filled with cobwebs, led to a deep shaft without a ladder.
“This shelter is currently not usable,” concluded team leader Gregory Fuhrer. Residents will have a year to address the deficiencies or face a fee of 800 francs (900 dollars) per spot in a public shelter, he added.
Switzerland has stayed out of foreign wars since becoming neutral in 1815. In the 18th century, it was occupied by France and suffered some air raids during World War II.
Delarageaz noted that his office saw a surge in calls from concerned residents about shelters after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
“Suddenly… we were very much in demand by people wanting to know: Where are the shelters? Where is my spot? Is my shelter ready?” he said, adding that requests for spots from French nationals had to be declined.
Next to his office is one of the canton’s 350 communal shelters, well-maintained and equipped with bunk beds and toilets. Nearby are an underground command center, an underground hospitalwith an operating room, and a bunker for protecting artworks.
“In Switzerland, we have foresight. There’s a Latin saying: ‘If you want peace, prepare for war,’” said Delarageaz.