[D66] Sweden revives war survival guide amid rising global tensions

[René Oudeweg]

  euroweeklynews.com
Sweden revives war survival guide amid rising global tensions
Farah Mokrani
4–5 minutes

Sweden’s civil defence booklet, 'If Crisis or War Comes,' highlights 
preparedness tips for emergencies

As Europe faces rising uncertainties, Sweden, Finland, and Norway are 
issuing updated guidance to help citizens prepare for potential 
emergencies, including war and extreme weather.
Sweden relaunches iconic war pamphlet

This week, Swedish households will receive an updated version of the 
survival guide “If Crisis or War Comes”, a publication with roots in 
World War II. Reflecting modern threats, including Russia’s invasion of 
Ukraine, the new edition is twice as large as its 2018 predecessor.

Key Updates in Sweden’s Guide

Message of Defiance: One statement is highlighted early on: “If Sweden 
is attacked, we will never give up. Any messages suggesting surrender 
are false.”

Practical Advice: Citizens are urged to prepare by stockpiling 
essentials, including food, water, and first-aid supplies. Long-lasting 
items like potatoes, cabbage, and tinned soup are recommended.

Historical Context: Originally designed during World War II, the guide 
was frequently updated during the Cold War. Its revival underscores 
Sweden’s shift from decades of neutrality to a more defensive stance, 
solidified by joining NATO in 2023.

Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin stated, “The world has changed, 
and so must our approach to public preparedness.”

Finland opts for Digital Guidance

In contrast, Finland has chosen a cost-effective and flexible approach 
by issuing its updated crisis preparedness guide online. The digital 
format ensures updates can be made swiftly and without additional expense.

Finnish advice highlights

Survival in Extreme Winters: The guide focuses on how to manage during 
prolonged power outages in sub-zero conditions, with tips on storing 
iodine tablets, energy-efficient food, and backup heating.

National Defence Confidence: It reassures citizens that Finland is “well 
prepared for self-defence”, a reflection of its long history of 
readiness due to its shared border with Russia.

War studies professor Ilmari Kaihko explained the cultural difference: 
“Finland has always viewed war as a possibility, whereas Sweden needed a 
wake-up call to recognise the same.”
Norway Encourages Self-Sufficiency

Norwegian citizens recently received a printed guide urging them to be 
self-reliant for at least one week in the face of potential crises. This 
campaign builds on a previous initiative from 2018 but has been updated 
to reflect new challenges, including climate change.

Norwegian recommendations

     Stock up on long-life food such as tinned goods and pasta.
     Secure a supply of medicines, including iodine tablets for nuclear 
emergencies.
     Be prepared for power cuts with candles, torches, and backup batteries.

Tore Kamfjord from Norway’s Directorate for Civil Protection emphasised, 
“With extreme weather becoming more frequent, preparation is no longer 
optional.”

Denmark’s Crisis Checklist

While not issuing a physical guide, Denmark has taken a digital approach 
similar to Finland, sending an email to all adult citizens with a 
three-day emergency supply checklist.
Citizens react to new preparedness efforts
Preparedness or Overreaction?

Public reactions vary across the Nordic nations. In Sweden, many older 
citizens are familiar with civil defence initiatives. Economist Ingemar 
Gustafsson, 67, commented, “I see the value in being informed, but I’m 
not rushing to stockpile my home.”

Younger residents, such as Finnish-born student Melissa Eve Ajosmaki, 
have expressed a mix of concern and pragmatism. “The war in Ukraine was 
a stark reminder to consider what I’d do if a conflict reached here, 
especially since my family lives in Finland,” she said.
Shared Nordic commitment to resilience

Despite their differing approaches, the Nordic nations share a common 
goal: ensuring citizens are prepared for the unexpected. From war 
scenarios to natural disasters, these guides are a modern reminder of 
the importance of readiness.