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

The event in Rovaniemi formed part of wider international cooperation in the civil defence shelter sector. Finland and Ukraine have intensified their cooperation on civil defence as part of Finland’s support for Ukraine, in line with the Government Programme. Civil defence cooperation between Finland and Ukraine strengthens Ukraine’s resilience and societal preparedness and supports the country’s reconstruction.

The Finnish Ministry of the Interior and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine are implementing a project funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Through the project, Finland is supporting Ukraine in developing its system of civil defence shelters. At the same time, Finland is learning from Ukraine’s experience of modern warfare and from the kinds of solutions needed to maintain an effective shelter system.

The project is part of the international Civil Protection Shelter Coalition for Ukraine, which supports Ukraine in expanding its network of civil defence shelters. The coalition was established in May 2025 through a joint statement by the Prime Ministers of Finland and Ukraine, and its activities began at the end of 2025. In addition, the coalition is mobilising international funding for the construction of civil defence shelters, and the first projects it funds are already under way.

Inquiries:
Pauliina Eskola, Director of Rescue Services, Accident Prevention and International Cooperation, tel. +358 295 488 263, [email protected]