The Norwegian government is considering reinstating the requirement to build war shelters in new buildings, a practice that was stopped in 1998.

“There is more uncertainty around us. We have to take care of the citizens, in case of a worst possible scenario with war or armed attack,” Norwegian Justice and Public Security Minister Emily Engel Mel told public broadcaster NRK on Friday.

“In this case, shelters are one of the protection measures we need,” she added.

The decision, as Politico notes, comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine approaches its third anniversary. Russia and Norway share a border, though they share only a few kilometers. Both countries are in the strategically important Arctic Circle.

Until 1998, every large apartment complex in Norway was required to have a war shelter. Since then no new shelters have been built. Mehl said the requirement would apply to complexes larger than 1,000 square meters.

The government is proposing two types of shelters. The new type that would protect against chemical and radioactive weapons and those to protect against conventional weapons, which could come from converted subway stations or garages.

The measure, Politico adds, is part of a comprehensive preparedness report containing more than 100 different recommendations aimed at strengthening and preparing Norway for possible war, but also in the event of extreme weather or events such as a pandemic.

“Russia’s willingness to use military force to achieve political goals indicates that Norway will likely have to deal for a long time with a risk-averse, unpredictable neighbour,” the study notes.