Across Europe, governments are quietly preparing for something most citizens can’t imagine: the possibility of war. France is asking hospitals to prepare for military casualties. Germany is identifying bomb shelters. Belgium is adding war medicine to its university curricula.
The European Commission has suggested an emergency kit for all European households. But, how seriously should we take these signals? And why now?
In this explainer, we examine Europe’s growing shift toward civil defence, military preparedness, and information warfare. Through expert interviews and powerful testimony, we explore the extent to which governments should inform their people or keep them in the dark?
Featuring:
- Maria Martisiute: Defence & Security Analyst, European Policy Center
- David Betz: Professor of War Studies, King’s College London
- Larysa Marchenko: Resilience & Recovery Partner at EY consulting
Topics explored:
- EU’s new Preparedness Union strategy
- Reintroduction of conscription and military service
- Why most Europeans are unprepared for war
- NATO’s Eastern flank vs Western Europe: stark contrast in readiness
- Is Europe losing the information war to Russia?
- The role of propaganda, morale, and public trust
- Can governments convince citizens to prepare without causing panic?
Win or lose, Brussels has fumbled the war in Ukraine