France Issues Invasion Guide to Citizens After Macron Warns Europe to Prepare for War

The French government has released a guide to help citizens respond to an invasion, following President Emmanuel Macron’s warning that Europe must prepare for war.

The initiative comes amid rising tensions in Europe and growing concerns over Russia’s aggressive actions.

The newly published 20-page booklet, reportedly containing 63 measures, provides guidance on protecting oneself and one’s family in cases of armed conflict, natural disasters, industrial accidents, or nuclear leaks.

It includes instructions on assembling a ‘survival kit’ with essentials such as six liters of water, canned food, batteries, a torch, and basic medical supplies like paracetamol and bandages.

The guide also offers advice on how to respond to imminent threats, including joining local defense efforts by enlisting in reserve units or firefighting groups. Additionally, in the event of a nuclear incident, citizens are instructed to ‘lock their doors.’

Despite its serious content, the French government maintains that the booklet is not a direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

President Macron has previously stressed the need for Europe to prepare for the ‘Russian threat’ and to adjust to the possibility of reduced U.S. military support.

Earlier this week, Macron announced plans to deploy French fighter jets armed with next-generation hypersonic nuclear missiles to the German border as part of efforts to reinforce France’s airborne nuclear deterrent.

Officials from the General Secretariat for Defence and National Security (SGDSN), which developed the booklet, assert that its purpose is to strengthen France’s resilience against ‘all types of crises.’

French newspaper Le Figaro noted that the release of the guide “could easily be seen as a reaction to the unstable international situation.”

Macron has recently urged Europe to ramp up its military preparedness in response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the uncertain future of U.S. support under Donald Trump.

During his two terms, Macron has already doubled France’s defense budget and has now set an even higher goal, proposing that military spending increase to 3-3.5% of GDP from the current 2%.

He has also expressed willingness to extend France’s nuclear deterrence, known as the ‘nuclear umbrella,’ to other European nations.