FLASH
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Norway plans to reinstate an obligation to build bomb shelters in new buildings, a practice discontinued in 1998, the Norwegian government announced on Friday.
The decision comes as Moscow's full-scale war against Ukraine approaches its third anniversary, with Russia - which shares a border with Norway in the Arctic Circle - showing no signs of letting up on its aggressive stance.
"There is more uncertainty around us. We have to take care of the civilian population, in case of a 'worst case scenario' of war or armed attack," Norwegian Minister of Justice and Public Safety Emilie Enger Mehl told public broadcaster NRK.
"In that case, shelters are one of the protective measures we need," she added.
Until 1998, every large apartment complex in Norway was required to have a bomb shelter; but no new bomb shelters have been built since then. Mehl said the requirement would apply to complexes larger than 1,000 square meters.
The government is proposing two types of shelters: new ones that will protect against chemical and radioactive weapons; and some to defend against conventional weapons, which can be repurposed from subway stations or parking garages.
The measure is part of a total preparedness report containing more than a hundred different recommendations aimed at strengthening and preparing Norway - for possible war, but also in the case of extreme weather or events such as a pandemic.
"Russia's willingness to use military force to achieve political goals indicates that Norway is likely to face an unpredictable and risk-averse neighbor for a long time," the report said.
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