Greece currently has 2,892 designated shelters available to protect civilians in the event of a crisis, according to new data released by the Ministry for Citizen Protection.
The figures were submitted to Parliament by Deputy Minister Ioannis Lambropoulos, in response to a formal question by Kyriakos Velopoulos, leader of the Greek Solution party.
Velopoulos had requested detailed information on the number, condition, and operational readiness of civil defence shelters across the country. He also asked whether a central registry exists with their exact locations, capacities, and maintenance records.
According to Lambropoulos, the total capacity of these shelters is 1,981,514 people, with the possibility of a 30% increase in emergency circumstances. The shelters are distributed throughout all regional units of Greece, serving as protective infrastructure in case of wartime or large-scale disasters.
Maintenance and responsibility
The Deputy Minister explained that under Greek law (Decree 17/1974 and Presidential Decree 1097/1981), the Civil Defence and Emergency Planning Service (PAM-PSEA) oversees the country’s civilian protection planning and coordinates with regional authorities to identify and approve new shelters.
Each Regional Governor is responsible for appointing three-year committees tasked with finding and evaluating potential new locations suitable for use as shelters. These committees submit their updated lists to the PAM-PSEA, which maintains the national register.
Lambropoulos stressed that local governments (OTAs) are responsible for maintaining public shelters, while private owners must ensure the upkeep of privately designated shelters, including preparing them for operational use within 24 hours if needed.
He added that the Ministry aims to update and expand the network of shelters, ensuring that all facilities remain safe, accessible, and ready for use should Greece ever face a national emergency.
The announcement comes amid increased public interest in civil defence infrastructure following recent global conflicts and regional tensions, underscoring the importance of preparedness for all scenarios.
