Lithuania proposes changes to speed up bomb shelter access during air threats

Lithuania’s Interior Ministry has proposed legislative amendments to accelerate public access to bomb shelters in emergencies, following two air threat alerts last month caused by drone risks, LRT reports.

Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovičius initiated the changes to allow municipalities to use allocated funds from the State Defence Fund for installing remote-controlled locks and other technical solutions in shelters. Officials say these measures will streamline evacuation during air threats.

A May 20 air alert—the first declared since Lithuania’s independence—revealed delays in opening some shelters. Kondratovičius stated that remote locking systems and similar tools would ensure faster access. “We aim to create the most favourable conditions for shelter accessibility and public safety during air threats,” he said, calling civil defence “the backbone of national security and a daily state function.”

The ministry also plans to reimburse municipalities for costs tied to installing remote locks and integrating them into future shelter renovation projects. Authorities urge local governments to adopt these measures even in shelters not yet included in modernisation plans.

Over €30 million has already been allocated to municipalities for shelter upgrades, covering more than 800 sites. Funds may also support additional emergency exits, protective window shields, ventilation upgrades, structural reinforcements, and accessibility improvements for people with limited mobility.

Lithuania currently has 6,645 shelters capable of housing roughly 1.6 million people—57% of the population. While 37 municipalities meet shelter capacity requirements, 23 still face shortages. Urban areas must provide shelters for at least 60% of residents, while rural municipalities require 40% coverage.

Municipalities are responsible for selecting, marking, and preparing shelters, as well as compiling lists of those slated for modernisation.