Amid escalating European security concerns, the traditionally neutral Nordic nations are taking steps to bolster citizen preparedness for potential wartime scenarios.
Sweden distributed millions of pamphlets on Monday, outlining actions to take in case of war or national emergencies. This updated booklet, titled “In case of crisis or war,” is significantly expanded from its six-year-old predecessor, reflecting the region’s deteriorating security climate.
While Sweden has issued such preparedness guides since World War II (initially titled “If War Comes”), this latest version emphasizes continued resistance in the face of attack: “If Sweden is attacked by another country, we will never give up. All information to the effect that resistance is to cease is false.”
Sweden’s NATO accession earlier this year, following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, is a key factor in this renewed focus. Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin has even stated the possibility of war in Sweden, prompting calls for accelerated defense improvements.
Finland, sharing a border with Russia, has long maintained a stronger defensive posture, despite its post-World War II neutrality. It released a digital version of its crisis preparedness guide on Monday, citing printing costs as a reason for foregoing a printed booklet.
The Finnish government stressed its preparedness for self-defense, clarifying that threats might not always be overtly military, and advising citizens to prepare for potential extended power outages, water disruptions, and banking/internet service interruptions.
Norway, a NATO founding member, also issued a pamphlet advising Norwegians to stockpile supplies for up to a week, including food, water, first-aid materials, and iodine tablets (to be used only on official instruction).
Over 2 million copies were distributed. Denmark similarly urged citizens to maintain three days’ worth of essential supplies.
Western leaders closely monitor the Ukraine conflict, warning Russia that any attack on a NATO member will trigger a unified response from all 32 member states.