Across Europe, governments have dramatically increased war preparedness measures between April 2024 and April 2025. From civilian bunker construction to military fortifications, public warning systems, and defense spending surges, European nations are taking unprecedented steps to prepare for potential conflict.
Key Findings
- Switzerland maintains the highest civilian shelter capacity in Europe, with bunker spots for nearly 100% of its population.
- The Baltic states have agreed to build 600 military bunkers along their eastern borders as part of a €60 million project.
- Sweden, Norway, and Finland have distributed war preparedness guides to millions of households.
- Defense spending across Europe has increased by approximately 11-12% from 2023 to 2024.
- Poland now spends 4.1% of its GDP on defense, the highest proportion among NATO countries.
This analysis examines the scale and scope of these preparedness measures, their strategic significance, and what they reveal about Europe's perception of security threats in the current geopolitical landscape.