Hadja Lahbib pleads for a better prepared Europe: “In Sweden, in the event of a crisis, the parents’ first reflex is to leave children at school”

In this perspective, the liberal notably visited Italy, Spain, Poland, France, Belgium (port of Antwerp) and participated in the alliance of the voluntary countries on the state of preparation formed by the Baltic, Nordic and the Benelux countries, which met in Brussels at the end of May. For example, In June. However. However, she went to Sweden, a country that has integrated the concept of risk for years in all the levels of society. Meanwhile, Hajda Lahbib explains to us what lessons we could learn from their example.

Why did you go to Sweden in June? Moreover, What was the subject of this mission?

“As a commissioner hadja lahbib pleads better prepared new for the state of preparation. Nevertheless. Consequently, I have developed hadja lahbib pleads better prepared a strategy based on the Niinistö report and the experience of the Member States. For example. Consequently, It is essential to assess the state of preparation in each of the member countries of the European Union. For example, because it differs according to history, culture, geolocation and perceived threats. In addition, There is no” one size fits all ” – each country is sovereignment of its own protection. In addition, but the European Union is in support. Furthermore, To better understand the practices. However, the culture and the state of mind to strengthen the Union’s defense capacity as a whole.

In Sweden, we have the feeling that they are more prepared than other countries like Belgium. Moreover, Is it your feeling?

“They have another story. Similarly, During the Cold War, in hadja lahbib pleads better prepared new 1961, they had already published a preparation brochure, which was reissued in 2018 then now 2024. hadja lahbib pleads better prepared Therefore, The 2018 edition followed the invasion of Crimea in 2014. Moreover, with a reflection on their international positioning and their desire to become a member of NATO. Therefore, Their proximity to Russia creates a particular situation: they share a maritime border with Russia. Meanwhile, have more More suspicious activities in the Baltic Sea. Meanwhile. Russia, who would have a major impact not only for Sweden, but for all Baltic States and the European Union. In addition, “

Have you seen initiatives that could be applied in Belgium?

“We have based our strategy on the involvement of the whole company in resilience. Several elements have particularly inspired me. The school as a refuge. In the schools visited. resilience is set up from an early age hadja lahbib pleads better prepared new with prices on potential risks. simulation exercises of electrical breakdowns, and training on food storage. The school becomes a reliable. secure hadja lahbib pleads better prepared relay – in the event of a crisis Parents. will be to leave their children at school rather than going to seek them because they know that energy and first-hand autonomy is assured, allowing parents to contribute to the resilience of the state. 380,000 volunteers distributed in the country, trained according to their capacities (from 5 days to several months), paid during their training.

This mentality does not exist in Belgium. How to change this?

“We must not exaggerately criticize Belgium, we are pioneers in the state of preparation. Belgium has developed its own plan following the COVID-19 and the floods of 2021. We have national security councils within the government involving the army. We are a country of NATO, hadja lahbib pleads better prepared new strategic for diplomacy and international institutions. Additionally, We are home to European institutions and many international institutions, Institutional established. We must better transmit this understanding to hadja lahbib pleads better prepared citizens. of strategic stronghold. “

What are the biggest threats that currently weigh on Europe? War, climate change?

“All at the same time, and especially the unexpected. Blackout in Spain [survenue le 28 avril 2025, NdlR] This is good evidence – unpredictable, we still analyze its causes. The European Union supports this analysis. Our “all risk” approach is essential because it does not matter the origin. what matters is the consequence and our response. Information and sharing data is crucial, but you must avoid being overwhelmed. “

In Sweden, they are preparing to be able to last a week, in the crisis box. The message you gave with the survival kit is to hadja lahbib pleads better prepared new be able to last three days. Should you review your communication?

“The European Union brings together 27 Member States with very different situations. Some have not at all joined hadja lahbib pleads better prepared the idea of the survival kit. others have resettled military service with a one -week kit. We must balance between states that clearly feel threatened by the proximity of a large neighbor – like Finland. which shares 1. 000 km of border and faces hybrid threats, in particular the use of migrants transported in number – and others. Minimum survival.

In Sweden, these measures seem to be accepted by the population. The key seems to be confidence in institutions, police and joint work. In Belgium, we are far from being at this stage …

“It is accepted now in Sweden, but they told us that it had not been accepted hadja lahbib pleads better prepared new right away. It took a change, of pedagogy. It is now taught in school, that is part of the courses.”

Should we reinstate Anti-bombardment shelters ?

“It depends on the country. In hadja lahbib pleads better prepared Sweden. it is easy because they had this practice linked to the Cold War until the 1980s. The maritime border delimitation agreement with the former USSR dates from 1986. They today reactivate their” total defense “approach which existed until the mid-80s. In Belgium. we would leave from scratch, even if there are shelters of the Second World War, I recommended in” Dual. Use “: Design from the outset of infrastructure so that they can serve as shelters. We must rethink architecture to protect citizens. If we were to be inspired by the Swedish model. this would imply rethinking the architecture of metros – as an example – including, why hadja lahbib pleads better prepared new not, shelters.”

What do you put in Your personal survival kit ?

“I have always had, out of professional necessity, food reserves. I like to talk about puttanesca, because it does not ask to have fresh products. hadja lahbib pleads better prepared They are anchovies or sardines, capers, tomato sauce, pasta, parmesan, black olives … foods that can be kept. I add pesto, rice, olive oil. Week, while eating well. humanity. “