European nations enhance defense and civil preparedness against potential Russian aggression through various measures.
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Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, many European countries have altered their defense strategies by increasing military spending and investing in border security, while also informing citizens about potential crisis scenarios. Germany is strengthening both military and civil preparedness, planning for worst-case scenarios and considering reintroducing compulsory military service, alongside mapping civilian shelters. Bulgaria aims to shelter around 900,000 people but lacks adequate civil defense infrastructure outside the capital and has not run a public awareness campaign regarding shelters, though it introduced defense education in schools. Despite increasing defense spending, Bulgarian officials are cautious about publicly discussing potential conflict with Russia or NATO due to societal sensitivity. In contrast, Scandinavian countries actively inform their citizens; Sweden advised all residents to prepare for war through brochures detailing emergency procedures and self-defense against disinformation, while Norway provided guidance on weekly self-sufficiency and mental health during a crisis. Lithuania launched a major public awareness campaign, though research indicates insufficient preparedness among its population regarding supplies and shelter knowledge. Austria lacks a central crisis information system, although new security strategies now view Russia as a threat, and citizens are being informed about a new warning system for mobile phones. Poland is building a defensive belt along its eastern border, with Romania, the Baltic states, and Finland also enhancing their borders. The Czech Republic views Russia as its most serious security threat and emphasizes comprehensive preparation for prolonged high-intensity defense against a technologically advanced adversary, while noting that nuclear attack risk remains low; Prague has approximately 750 permanent shelters.
