Thousands of kilometers underground to shelter an entire country. Beneath the extensive Finnish landscape hides a extensive network of bunkersone of its greatest assets in civil defense.

Equipped in detail, they have features similar to luxury hotels and something crucial: They have warehouses full of supplies and energy.

There are more than 54,000 throughout the country and in Helsinki alone about 5,500 with capacity for almost a million people30% more of the population living in the capital.

“In Finland the preparation for defense It is not only a concern of the military, but of everyone. It concerns the entire society,” says Ursula Von Der Leyen.

Finland takes great care of its army. Military service is mandatory for men from 18 to 60 years and voluntary for women. He is very popular among young people and has one of the largest numbers of recruits in the European Union.

Von der Leyen has asked the former president of Finland for a report on how to improve civil and defense preparedness in Europe. “We know that Putin’s ambition does not end in Ukraine“, he indicated.

However, countries like Spain do not share measures such as mandatory military service. “No, There will be no compulsory military service in Spain“, nor do I think it has crossed anyone’s mind,” responded Defense Minister Margarita Robles.

Finland shares 1,300 kilometers of border with Russia. In Europe all eyes are on them and their preparation for any emergency. Foresight is instilled in them from kindergarten to no longer leave anything to chance because they say that, in their previous conflicts with Russia, they felt very alone.