Be notified of the latest news in the Sol app! Download for iPhone here and Android here!
Well, well, well, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the new reality show starring Sweden and Finland. Spoiler alert: it’s called “Prepare for War, but Don’t Mention Russia!” Yes, you heard that right! To the tune of “I Will Survive,” our Nordic pals are busy packing their survival kits faster than I can pack for a weekend getaway. Who knew IKEA furniture wasn’t the only thing they were assembling?
As a result of Russia’s rather rude invasion of Ukraine, Sweden and Finland have decided to ditch their historical neutrality faster than I can read a two-star Yelp review. Finland got in line for NATO membership first, joining in April 2023, while Sweden sashayed in just a month later like it was the hottest club in town.
And what’s this? Sweden’s former military big cheese, General Micael Bydén, has told the nation to “mentally prepare for war.” Honestly, if I had a krona for every time someone asked me to prepare for something mentally, I’d be planning my own mental army! But seriously, while Netflix binges have been my main source of nerves, our Swedish friends are learning to shake off that “peaceful neutrality” vibe.
The New Norm: Duck and Cover
This week, Swedish authorities have taken a giant leap into preparedness 101 by updating suggestions on how to deal with not just air attacks but *nuclear, chemical,* and *biological* threats. Side note—when did everyday life turn into a scene straight out of “Resident Evil”?
The instructions are surprisingly straightforward: “Seek cover in the same way as in the case of an air attack.” And they assure us not to panic—after a couple of days, the radiation drops significantly! Just a casual wait. No big deal. You know, like waiting for an Amazon package, except you might not have a package to unpack afterward.
Trump wants a TV doctor as his boss
The Seriousness of Security
Let’s talk security, shall we? Swedish Minister of Civil Defense, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, had some hot takes this week about the noticeable shift in security since the authorities decided to forewarn everyone back in 2018. Apparently, suggesting that things are serious is the new norm—like saying the sky is blue or that our WiFi is slow during peak hours.
This week, the *Swedish Directorate for Social Security* (MSB for the cool kids) has kicked it up a notch, distributing millions of brochures titled, “On the Arrival of the Crisis or the War.” Talk about a title that reads like the intro to a horror movie!
Picture this: 32 pages describing how to prepare for war, natural disasters, and even cyber-attacks, all written so bluntly that it’s practically slapping you in the face—“MILITARY THREAT LEVELS ARE INCREASING!” Someone should really tone down the Halloween vibes here!
Finland’s Fortress: Border Fence Edition
Meanwhile, Finland is getting down to business by erecting a 200-kilometer-long border fence with Russia. Yes, you heard that right—three meters high, topped with barbed wire. By 2026, it’ll be the hottest property on the market. Who doesn’t love a place with security? Talk about curb appeal!
A Side of Trump: Bribery Case Edition
History Repeated: Crimea and Aftermath
Post-Cold War, Sweden cut down its defense budget faster than I cut carbs after New Year’s. But when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, it was like waking up after a wild night and realizing you’ve slept through your alarm. Time to hit the Zoom call for serious reconsiderations!
They resurrected limited conscription, boosted defense spending, and even reopened a garrison on the once-peaceful island of Gotland. On top of that, their bomb shelters have been updated. Apparently, “upgraded bomb shelters” is the new “luxury living” for the Swedes! Why does that bring an image of IKEA bomb shelters to mind?
Health Preparedness: Because Why Not?
And before you think it’s all doom and gloom, let’s not forget that Norway is also in the chat. They recently announced that their citizens should be prepared for up to a week without critical infrastructure. Imagine running out of Netflix for seven days! Absolute chaos. Bring snacks!
Also, the health committee has chimed in, asking how to manage if folks start pouring into hospitals with various grievances. I mean, I can’t even get a normal appointment without drama; how do you juggle wartime casualties? Sounds like managing a festival with no bathrooms—it’s going to be messy!
Whether they’re talking about bomb shelter logistics or health system overloads, the message is clear: it’s time to get ready—for anything! Buckle up, Swedes and Finns! Your preparedness plans almost feel like preparing for a Christmas family reunion…with fewer awkward conversations (hopefully). Just remember: it’s less about paranoia and more about being proactive. Happy prepping! 🎉
Be notified of the latest news in the Sol app! Download for iPhone her and Android her!
In response to the escalating threats posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, both Sweden and Finland made the significant decision to abandon their longstanding policies of neutrality, opting instead to pursue full NATO membership as a strategic defense measure. Finland successfully secured its NATO membership in April 2023, while Sweden followed suit and officially became a member in March of this year.
This week, the authorities’ updated advice on how Swedes should react to an attack with nuclear, chemical or biological weapons are of utmost importance: Shelters provide the best protection. After a couple of days, the radiation has decreased significantly, it says, among other things.
The security situation
The Swedish Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin recently highlighted the deteriorating security climate, confessing that it is no secret that the authorities have continually emphasized preparedness since 2018. Since the conflict in Ukraine ignited, Swedish officials have repeatedly urged their citizens to ready themselves both mentally and practically for the possibility of an armed conflict.
This week, the Swedish Directorate for Social Security (MSB) has initiated a distribution campaign of millions of leaflets containing updated advice to citizens on preparations necessary for a possible war.
The 32-page brochure titled “On the Arrival of the Crisis or War” includes vital instructions on how to prepare not only for war but also for natural disasters and cyber or terrorist attacks.
– The security situation is serious, and we must all strengthen our resilience to face various crises, including war, emphasizes director Mikael Frisell at MSB.
The annexation of Crimea
In the wake of Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Sweden drastically shifted its defense strategy, reinstating limited conscription while significantly boosting defense spending. This pivotal moment saw the reopening of military bases, particularly a garrison on the strategically important Baltic island of Gotland.
The country has since undertaken extensive upgrades to bomb shelters, bolstered drinking water supply systems, and improved transport infrastructure. Moreover, Sweden has appointed a dedicated minister for civil defence and established the Psychological Defense Agency, aimed at combating disinformation amidst rising tensions.
In the updated brochure, officials state that “military threat levels are increasing. We must be prepared for the worst-case scenario – an armed attack on Sweden”.
MSB emphasizes that the importance of being prepared for war is now more strongly highlighted within the national conversation.
Finnish preparedness
Meanwhile, Finland has been focusing on its own preparedness strategies in response to heightened threats from Russia, leading to the development of a comprehensive website dedicated to crisis preparedness resources.
A three-meter high border fence, reinforced with barbed wire, is under construction along the lengthy 1,340-kilometer border with Russia and is slated for completion in 2026.
Norway increases from three to seven days
In Norway, authorities have long advocated for citizens to consider potential incidents and plan accordingly for scenarios involving loss of critical infrastructure such as electricity, water, or mobile networks. As of this autumn, new brochures have been distributed to all households reflecting this updated guidance, the most significant change being the recommendation for self-sufficiency to extend from a minimum of three days to one week.
Health preparedness
This week, the committee for civil-military health preparedness addressed the urgent need for comprehensive systems and plans aimed at ensuring the health service can adequately respond to situations of extensive casualties during crises or war. Director of health Bjørn Guldvog indicated that hospitals and municipalities must have coordinated strategies ready to manage patient surges effectively.
He leads the committee that recently convened to explore collaborative frameworks between the health service and the Armed Forces to enhance preparedness for potential wartime scenarios in Norway or other NATO countries.
The need for a cohesive national strategy, engaging municipalities, health institutions, state administrators, and international bodies such as NATO and the EU, was emphasized as critical to effective response efforts.
Petter Iversen, chief of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ health service, underscored the pressing necessity of bolstering Norway’s overall health preparedness amid the prevailing security landscape in Europe.
How are Sweden and Finland enhancing their defense cooperation in response to current geopolitical tensions?
Fence with Russia is currently being constructed, extending 200 kilometers. This new addition to Finland’s border security aims to deter potential incursions and bolster national defense capabilities. The fence is designed to provide both physical barriers and a psychological sense of security for Finnish citizens, creating a fortified border that signals readiness and resolve.
Nordic Cooperation: A Unified Front
The actions of Sweden and Finland highlight a significant shift in Nordic defense cooperation. Both nations are actively collaborating on military exercises and intelligence sharing as they adapt to the new geopolitical reality. This collaborative approach not only strengthens their individual defenses but also ensures a more robust regional response to threats.
With tensions simmering in Eastern Europe, neighboring countries are also reevaluating their defense strategies. Norway, for instance, has urged citizens to prepare for situations where critical infrastructure might be unavailable for up to a week. This emphasis on resilience reflects an understanding that modern warfare could manifest in various forms—not just traditional combat but also cyber threats and energy shortages.
Conclusion: Embracing a New Era
As Sweden and Finland navigate this new chapter, their commitment to preparedness, community resilience, and military readiness serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding national security. While the prospect of war is undeniably serious and unsettling, both nations are taking proactive steps to ensure their citizens are equipped for any challenges that may arise.
So, dear readers, whether you live in the Nordic region or beyond, it’s clear that staying informed and prepared is more vital than ever. As the saying goes, “better safe than sorry!” With a bit of humor and a little bit of grit, the Nordics are navigating a landscape that is as unpredictable as it is charged. Cheers to staying alert and adaptable in these changing times!
