The European continent, once rebuilt from the ashes of two world wars, is once again gripped by anxiety and preparation fever. With tensions escalating in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific, the spectre of a new global conflict looms ominously over every European capital — and governments are responding.
Germany has now taken a striking step. The Federal Office for Civil Protection (BBK) has released a new, updated national survival guide, the first of its kind since 1990. This guide provides detailed instructions on how citizens should react not only to power outages, cyberattacks, and extreme weather, but also to war-related emergencies — including explosions and aerial attacks.
The document also covers psychological resilience, offering guidance for managing fear and anxiety during crises, especially among children. It aims to help households maintain a sense of control in times of uncertainty.
Ralph Tiesler, President of the BBK, stated bluntly:
“War is no longer unthinkable.”
He urged all 83 million German citizens to have access to the guide — available both in print and digital form, translated into seven languages and even German Sign Language.
The survival guide is distributed free of charge and contains QR codes linking to emergency resources. It emphasizes the importance of having an emergency backpack ready — not a suitcase — filled with:
- Basic medicines and first aid items
- Battery-powered radio (for communication during blackouts or cyberattacks)
- Food and water supplies for at least two days
- Sleeping bags, clothing, blankets, gloves, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes
- For children: a special SOS pouch with personal details
Tiesler explained that the initiative’s goal is to support the population during a time of growing unease, noting that more than 50% of Germans admit they are not at all prepared for crises.
Meanwhile, across Europe, civil defence awareness campaigns are intensifying — from Scandinavia to the Baltic states. Yet, Greece stands out as a glaring exception.
Despite its geostrategic position and exposure to multiple regional threats, Athens lacks a concrete civil protection plan for its citizens in the event of a major European or global crisis.
As Berlin and other capitals prepare for the worst, Greece’s silence is deafening. The continent that once swore “never again” is now quietly bracing for what many fear could be the next great test of peace in our time.
