The French government has introduced a detailed survival guide to help citizens prepare for potential crises, including armed conflicts, natural disasters, and nuclear incidents.
This move follows President Emmanuel Macron’s recent warnings that Europe must prepare for war, particularly in light of growing tensions with Russia.
The 20-page booklet, packed with 63 safety measures, aims to equip the public with essential knowledge on protecting themselves and their families in times of emergency.
While the French government insists the guide is not a direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its timing suggests otherwise.
The survival guide includes practical advice, such as creating a “survival kit” containing six litres of water, canned food, batteries, a torch, and basic medical supplies like paracetamol and bandages.
In the event of a nuclear incident, citizens are advised to “lock their doors” to minimize exposure.
Additionally, the guide provides instructions on joining local defense efforts, such as firefighting groups or reserve military units.
This aligns with Macron’s push for Europe to strengthen its defense capabilities as uncertainties about U.S. military support under Donald Trump’s potential leadership continue to grow.
President Emmanuel Macron has been vocal about the need for Europe to bolster its military capabilities in response to Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine.
Earlier this week, he announced that French fighter jets equipped with hypersonic nuclear missiles would be stationed near the German border to reinforce France’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
Furthermore, he has proposed expanding France’s nuclear protection, often referred to as the “nuclear umbrella”, to other European nations.
His administration has also significantly increased France’s defense budget, aiming to raise military spending to 3-3.5% of GDP, up from the current 2%.
The booklet was developed under the supervision of the General Secretariat for Defence and National Security (SGDSN), which insists its purpose is to strengthen France’s resilience against “all types of crises.”
However, French newspaper Le Figaro suggested that the timing of its release could indicate that the state is responding to the “unstable international situation.”
The growing unpredictability in global politics and the shifting dynamics in Europe’s security landscape have undoubtedly played a role in this decision.
