Some citizens in Europe have created safe spaces in their homes while the EU has urged people across the bloc to prepare 72-hour survival kits.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and rising geopolitical tensions have sparked an increase in interest in survivalism in Spain.
The private construction of bunkers has risen by 200% since Moscow’s war started in early 2022, according to industry companies. This trend is spreading across Europe, with Germany, France, and the Baltic countries being the best prepared.
Many families are looking for high-security shelters. Euronews gained access to one that can withstand nuclear radiation, featuring anti-radiation showers, concrete and steel walls, and armoured doors. The owner installed it due to fears of an armed conflict in Europe.
This bunker was developed by VIP Bunker, with its manager, Fernando Díaz, describing it as an “apartment with high security, where one could live for months,” equipped with 1,000 litres of drinking water and various backup power systems.
However, with an average cost of €150,000 these shelters are a luxury few can afford.
This has led some citizens to create safe spaces in their homes, storing non-perishable food. Meanwhile, the European Union has urged citizens to prepare 72-hour survival kits and called on governments to improve civilian-military cooperation.
Preparing for ‘greater threats’
European leaders have stressed the need for being prepared.
“We need to think big because the threats are greater,” said European Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib.
Meanwhile Roxana Minzatu, Commissioner for Preparedness, added, “The pandemic showed that acting together, in solidarity, is crucial. It makes us stronger.”
Lieutenant Colonel Manolo Cámara, author of the book “Prepárate” (Get Ready), has been training civilians in survival for years and has noticed a shift.
“There wasn’t much interest before. With the possible war in Europe, people have started to worry, although in Spain, much less than in the rest of the EU,” he said.
In his courses, held in various Spanish cities, he teaches essential skills, he tells Euronews.
“You need to have your backpack ready, know how to start a fire, find water, build a shelter, and navigate with a map. In a war, food, water, and medical support will be scarce. You need to know how to act.”
For the lieutenant colonel, knowledge is key: “The most important thing in your backpack is what doesn’t weigh — knowing how to use it. You need a family plan with meeting points and evacuation routes.”
Ignacio Ortega, head of instruction at the Spanish School of Survival, agrees with the rise in interest, he said, “People from all walks of life come to us — not just from security fields, but entire families and independent professionals. Since the war in Ukraine, the profile has changed: before, they were nature lovers, now they are regular families scared of the future.”
With around 2,000 students annually, Ortega emphasises the importance of prevention.
“The best survival is the one you avoid. Before any activity, assess the risks and prepare with resources and knowledge.” He adds that urban crises are the most hostile.
“Most people will experience a survival situation in the city, without electricity or supplies, not in an idyllic forest.”
Nuclear war on the horizon?
Tensions between Russia and NATO have popularised the term “nuclear war”. Some experts speak of a paradigm shift, as the EU insists on stockpiling supplies in case of conflict.
France, Norway, Finland and Sweden are in the process of distributing war manuals, while Russia is mass-producing mobile nuclear shelters, highlighting the urgency for countries in the conflict’s orbit.
In Spain, the demand for private bunkers surged after the Ukraine invasion.
The government is preparing a National Civil Protection Plan for “military risk,” but there are only four public nuclear shelters in the country, mostly located in the capital: the residence of the Spanish Prime Minister, the Moncloa Palace, the Torrejón base, El Capricho park, and the Ébora Hotel (Toledo).
Metro tunnels could be used as shelters, although nuclear radiation would still reach them.
With around 400 private bunkers estimated, Spain is far behind countries like France and Germany.
Cámara reflects: “It’s difficult to have a shelter at home, but if you have a second home in the countryside or a friend in another area, use it as an alternative.”
Cost is a barrier — a typical bunker can reach some €150,000. Companies like VIP Bunker offer luxury models that exceed €350,000, as well as more affordable options based on the owner’s needs.
An effective bunker must be at least 10 meters deep, with sturdy walls, air and water filtration, and impact-resistant doors. If it’s nuclear-proof, it should have steel coatings.
Because public options are limited, many people are choosing to prepare on their own.
Experts interviewed by Euronews believe this trend is growing: “There’s no need to go crazy, but you should be ready.”
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