Germany Issues New War Preparedness Guide Amid Rising Security Threats

Germany releases a new civil defense guide urging citizens to prepare for potential war and hybrid threats amid rising geopolitical tensions, marking a major shift in national security policy.

    Key details

  • • Germany's BBK issues first war preparedness guide since 1990 recommending 10 days of self-sufficiency for citizens.
  • • BND chief warns of precarious peace in Europe and increasing threats from Russia.
  • • Guide advises stockpiling 20 liters of water and essential foods to prepare for crises without utilities or supermarket access.
  • • New guide includes measures against hybrid threats like cyberattacks and misinformation.
  • • BBK emphasizes resilience and preparedness due to changing global security conditions.

Germany is confronting an unprecedented security environment as the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) has issued a new crisis preparedness guide acknowledging war as a real threat to the country for the first time since 1990. The revised guide, titled "Vorsorgen für Krisen und Katastrophen," was released on October 13, 2025, and instructs citizens to stockpile essential supplies to sustain themselves for at least ten days in the event of a crisis where electricity, running water, and supermarkets may be inaccessible.

The BBK recommends that every household store 20 liters of drinking water along with a range of food items such as pasta, rice, and canned vegetables to prepare for possible extreme situations. This marks a significant shift from previous BBK publications which primarily focused on natural disasters and technical failures. The new guide also explicitly addresses hybrid threats including cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns, reflecting growing concerns about the fragility of peace in Europe.

Martin Jäger, chief of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), underscored the precarious position Europe currently faces, warning the Bundestag that the continent is "in the fire" due to threats emanating from Russia. BBK President Ralph Tiesler emphasized that this evolving global situation necessitates a renewed focus on societal resilience and preparation among the population. The guide includes practical checklists and detailed emergency preparedness measures, urging individuals to plan proactively.

This development comes as Germany fundamentally revises its stance on national security after 35 years, signifying heightened alertness to the possibility of hybrid warfare and traditional conflict affecting German soil. The BBK's guidance represents a concerted effort to boost public readiness and mitigate risks posed by the increasingly volatile geopolitical climate in 2025.

While Poland’s refusal to extradite Ukrainian suspects involved in the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage hints at complex geopolitical tensions in the region, Germany's primary focus remains on enhancing civil protection capabilities against an uncertain security backdrop.

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