Ukraine’s war experience rattles Europe as 10 countries rush emergency evacuation plans
European Parliament (Photo: Getty Images)
Northern European countries are preparing plans for the possible evacuation of civilians in the event of a military conflict in the region, reports Reuters.
“Experience from Ukraine has shown that temporary movements of the population enable the continued defence of the country while protecting civilians,” Sweden’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The agency writes that, in addition to transport and tourism corridors, cross-border evacuation planning will also include the reception and registration of people, as well as the protection of vulnerable groups.
“The purpose of the agreement is to improve the protection of the civilian population in the event of major crises or, in the worst case, war,” Sweden’s defense ministry noted.
10 countries prepare for war with Russia
Germany, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark have joined the Northern European agreement.
It is noted that all of these countries have stepped up preparations in recent years for a possible future armed conflict with Russia.
In particular, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania signed a similar agreement among themselves in 2025. The countries developed action plans in case of the need for the mass relocation of hundreds of thousands of people fleeing military aggression.
Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, signed the same kind of agreement with Sweden in 2024.
EU prepares for war
Europe is preparing to launch a sweeping defense overhaul that includes joint weapons and drone production. Brussels plans to make the continent war-ready by 2030.
According to Martin Jäger, head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service, Russian leader Vladimir Putin is showing a willingness to test Europe’s borders and is capable of provoking a hot confrontation at any moment.
