Background & Purpose
Sweden currently has about 64,000 air raid shelters, but these are not enough to protect the entire population in a crisis. The government wants to modernize the system to ensure better safety during high alert or armed conflict.
The Decision
The parliament decided to introduce a new law that creates a new category of 'protected spaces' to complement existing air raid shelters, providing more options for public safety.
Does this affect you?
- General public: Citizens will have access to a wider variety of designated safe areas during emergencies or armed conflict.
- Property owners: Owners of buildings may be subject to new requirements or designations regarding how their premises are used for civil protection.
In Practice
- A new legal category called 'protected spaces' is established.
- These spaces offer a different level of protection compared to traditional, heavy-duty air raid shelters.
- The new rules aim to increase the total capacity for protecting people during emergencies.
- The law will be fully implemented across the country starting on June 1, 2026.