In response to the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine and increasing geopolitical instability, the European Union and its member states are focusing on fostering a culture of risk awareness and resilience among their populations.

Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden emphasizes the importance of teaching citizens how to manage crises effectively without inciting unnecessary panic.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called for a significant shift in mindset towards a wartime mentality, highlighting the need for Europe and Belgium to move away from reliance on American security support.

To bolster this initiative, former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö presented a report aimed at enhancing Europe's civil and military preparedness at the request of the EU.

The proposed initiative includes educating citizens on self-protection, evacuation procedures, and the creation of personal emergency plans.

Belgium is set to launch a public awareness campaign in 2025, aimed at informing citizens about how to respond effectively to crisis situations.

However, Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt argues that the campaign may be premature and stresses the necessity for initial investments in security infrastructure.

Van Tigchelt insists that the government must prioritize ensuring citizens' safety and lead by example in its investments in security measures.