The Dutch government is intensifying civilian preparedness exercises amid growing concerns over Russia’s escalating use of sabotage and other hybrid tactics targeting Ukraine’s European allies. The move aims to bolster national resilience in the face of threats ranging from cyberattacks to power outages.

David van Weel, the Dutch justice minister and a former NATO official, highlighted that during the Cold War, Western countries maintained robust systems for protecting their populations, including widespread shelter infrastructure. He emphasized that many of these systems have since deteriorated and must now be rebuilt to address modern threats such as cyber incidents, sabotage, and natural disasters. “We have eroded our civilian resilience,” van Weel remarked.

Dutch intelligence agency AIVD, along with other Western security services, assesses that Russia is increasingly engaged in hybrid warfare by outsourcing sabotage activities, including arson and cyberattacks, against European nations supporting Ukraine. The AIVD described this campaign as operating "in the twilight zone between war and peace." Complementing these concerns, Danish military intelligence recently issued an unusually direct warning that Russia could launch a limited military strike against a NATO member state in the coming months.

Van Weel also pointed out that Russia is not the only hostile actor involved in such activities. He identified Iran as the probable source behind a series of attacks on Dutch synagogues and a Jewish school earlier this year.

In response, the Dutch government has urged citizens to keep at least 72 hours’ worth of emergency supplies, including food, water, and batteries, aligning with an EU-wide preparedness campaign led by European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib. Van Weel is coordinating a network of countries—featuring Finland as a model due to its Cold War experience and ongoing national service—to promote comprehensive resilience strategies across Europe.

Practical preparations were demonstrated in recent drills held in Sittard, a city near the German border. The exercise featured actors portraying residents, including one role-playing a person panicked by darkness. The drill included the setup of an emergency hub at the local fire station, equipped with generators and provisions. Coordinated by the South Limburg Safety Region—one of 25 disaster preparedness bodies nationwide—the hub functions as a centralized support point where citizens can seek assistance and information during crises.

One challenge tested was communication in the absence of phone and internet networks. Authorities addressed this by installing a Starlink satellite terminal on the fire station’s roof to maintain contact with regional officials. Following the drills, the government has released an emergency advice app capable of functioning offline, which has been downloaded by over 60,000 users. Additionally, the region operates a radio station powered by generators to ensure continuous broadcast capability during emergencies.

The Netherlands maintains a network of sirens to warn of various threats, including floods and nuclear incidents, tested monthly. Van Weel said these would be upgraded to feature distinct signals for different emergencies and brought under centralized control.

Officials note that the country’s historically effective long-term planning may have contributed to a population less accustomed to disruption. After the devastating 1953 flood, the Netherlands constructed extensive dykes and sea defenses, significantly reducing flood risk despite much of its land lying below sea level. However, preparedness experts say this success has bred a reliance on government support that may hinder civilian resilience in other crisis scenarios. Henk Theunissen, who manages the emergency support point in Sittard, contrasted the Dutch situation with Spain, which recently experienced a nationwide power outage without widespread panic. “All the people were used to it so they were prepared. When there is a power cut for 24 hours in the Netherlands, things collapse,” he said. Camille Jacobs, the region’s civil protection adviser, underscored the importance of readiness: “People who are prepared don’t panic.”