As Europe faces escalating geopolitical tensions, Sweden has issued a stark warning to its citizens: the nation needs to prepare for the possibility of war. This comes as Sweden is set to join NATO later this year, a decision influenced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Swedish Civil Defence Minister, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, has raised concerns about the country’s outdated civil defence systems, calling for urgent modernisation. Bohlin’s remarks draw parallels to the situation in Ukraine, highlighting the need for Sweden to be prepared for potential Russian aggression.
Micael Byden, the Commander-in-Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces, has echoed these sentiments, urging Swedes to mentally prepare for conflict. Byden emphasised the urgency of Sweden joining NATO to strengthen national security and defence capabilities.
Further afield, the Dutch Army Chief, Lieutenant General Martin Wijnen, has also voiced concerns. He warned of Russia’s growing military strength and its implications for European security, including countries like the Netherlands.
In 2018 the Swedish government has initiated a campaign reminiscent of wartime efforts, distributing a ‘be prepared for war’ leaflet to 4.8 million households. This leaflet, titled “Om krisen eller kriget kommer” (If crisis or war comes), offers practical advice on emergency preparedness and addresses modern challenges such as cyber and terror threats.
This initiative was part of Sweden’s broader “total defence” strategy, which sought to involve and prepare all citizens for potential conflicts. This approach reflects Sweden’s historical commitment to neutrality and preparedness, dating back to World War II.
In line with these developments, Sweden has reversed its military spending cuts, embarking on its largest military exercises in almost a quarter of a century. The country has also reinstated conscription and is collaborating with Denmark to enhance defences against Russian cyber threats and disinformation campaigns.
As Sweden approaches a historic moment of joining NATO, the nation remains vigilant, understanding the gravity of the shifting geopolitical landscape. The Swedish government’s stance is clear: in the face of external threats, preparation and resilience are crucial for maintaining the nation’s security and independence.
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