European experts observe blast tests on civil defence shelters in Rovaniemi

The Ministry of the Interior and the Finnish Defence Forces organised blast tests in Lapland to assess Finnish civil defence shelters. The event was attended by experts from the international Civil Protection Shelter Coalition for Ukraine, led by Finland and Ukraine, as well as from other partner countries interested in developing shelters. An eight-member delegation from Ukrainian ministries responsible for civil defence shelters and from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine also took part. The aim of the event was to develop the Finnish system of civil defence shelters, draw on lessons learned from Ukraine and strengthen international cooperation in civil defence.

Blast tests help ensure that Finnish shelter solutions are effective against the threats posed by modern warfare. Similar tests were last carried out in 1992.

International experts observed the tests

Alongside the tests, the Ministry of the Interior organised a three-day event that brought together civil defence experts from across Europe. Participants observed the tests and discussed lessons learned from Russia’s war of aggression, the need for civil defence shelters in present-day Europe and the elements of an effective shelter system.

The event was attended by representatives of authorities responsible for civil defence shelters in countries participating in the Civil Protection Shelter Coalition for Ukraine, co-chaired by Finland and Ukraine. Representatives from other European partner countries interested in developing civil defence also took part.

Finland supports Ukraine while developing its own shelters