Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) wants new underground car parks to serve as bomb shelters.
Speaking to VTM Nieuws, Francken explained that repurposing underground garages would be more efficient and cost-effective than building traditional shelters.
When asked if Belgium should start constructing shelters, Francken revealed plans to introduce criteria for underground car parks so they can double as shelters.
“This is not finalised yet. I’m working on a resilience plan, and this is part of it,” he noted during the interview.
Francken also pointed out that in Eastern Europe, regulations already require new car parks to be built with dual-use purposes, allowing them to serve as shelters, hospitals, or even schools.
