The Riigikogu passed a law to strengthen civil protection

The law amending the Emergency Act and other related legislation (662 SE), initiated by the government, was supported by 66 members of the Riigikogu. It forms part of a broader package of reforms designed to develop comprehensive national defence, improve the readiness of the Estonian population for potential future crises, and protect lives and health in times of danger.

Sheltering

The law sets out the framework for sheltering, establishing requirements for shelters and principles for adapting sheltering spaces. The explanatory memorandum notes that due to the changed security situation resulting from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Estonia must also improve its sheltering arrangements by constructing shelters and adapting existing spaces to better protect people in potential emergency situations.

Under the law, large buildings frequented by many people must either include a shelter or adapt existing rooms as sheltering spaces. From 1 July next year, public shelters must be built in new buildings that are visited by crowds or have a net internal area of at least 10,000 square metres. A private shelter must be constructed if a residential, public, or special-purpose building is erected with a net internal area of at least 1,200 square metres, or if an industrial or warehouse building is built with a net internal area of at least 1,500 square metres.

Initially, the draft law proposed that private shelters be built by 1 July 2028, but the National Defence Committee amended the draft during its second reading, bringing the deadline forward by two years. After hearing stakeholders and representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of the Interior, the committee unanimously agreed that the deadline for both public and private shelters should be the same—namely, 1 July 2026. The law also stipulates that, where possible, existing buildings should be adapted to include sheltering spaces.

In addition to constructing shelters and sheltering spaces, the law requires the preparation of a sheltering plan. Activities related to sheltering—including preparation, public awareness, and education—will be organised by the Estonian Rescue Services Agency in cooperation with local authorities.

Public warning

The law also regulates the use of the national public warning system, EE-ALARM, including the installation and activation of siren devices, and outlines the associated rights and responsibilities. According to the amendments, all mass media outlets, electronic communications providers, public information screens, and national mobile applications with at least 10,000 end users must join the EE-ALARM system to ensure that critical information reaches the public swiftly in the event of a threat. The Estonian Rescue Services Agency will coordinate preparations for the immediate transmission of public warning and will be authorised to test the national public warning system.

Furthermore, the law requires all employees of state and local government institutions, as well as those providing essential services, to undergo civil protection training. This is to ensure they can respond quickly in a crisis, assist people, and maintain vital services.