Title: From Siren to Shelter? Civil Defence in Riga
Publication type: Policy Review
Authors: Roberts Kits, Artis Vilks
This policy review analyses the civil defence system in Riga, focusing on residents’ preparedness for crises, institutional capacity and the city’s resilience in the face of various threats. Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine has brought civil defence issues to the forefront across Europe, and the study examines how prepared Riga is to meet these challenges.
The review combines analysis of empirical data, results from public opinion surveys and a scenario-based crisis simulation involving residents of Riga. The research highlights significant shortcomings in individual preparedness, information circulation and practical skills, while also emphasizing the importance of communities and social capital in overcoming crises. The analysis includes a comparison with other regional capitals – Helsinki, Tallinn, Vilnius, and Kyiv – assessing different approaches to shelter systems, public engagement and institutional coordination.
Based on the findings, the authors put forward evidence-based recommendations for improving Riga’s civil defence system, with particular emphasis on strengthening individual preparedness, community involvement, infrastructure development and a clear division of responsibilities between the state and municipal authorities. The aim of the study is to promote a focused, data-driven discussion on how to strengthen the resilience of Riga and Latvian society under today’s security conditions.