(CNN) — Recruitment, rationing and subway stations turned into bunkers. For the first time since the Cold War, Germany has updated its plans in case conflict breaks out in Europe, as ministers cite the threat posed by Russia.
The 67-page document, known as the Global Defense Framework Directive and published this week, envisions a complete transformation of the daily lives of German citizens in the event of war.
It is yet another example of how Germany, which has had a firmly anti-militarist stance since World War II, has been forced to adapt its security and military policy in the wake of Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
In times of war, mandatory conscription into the army would be reinstated and skilled workers over the age of 18 could be forced to work in certain jobs, such as bakeries and post offices, and prevented from leaving their jobs. Doctors, psychologists, nurses and veterans could also be reassigned to military and public functions.
Rationing would also be introduced. If food reserves dwindle, the government would stockpile food to provide citizens with “one hot meal a day” for an undisclosed period of time, according to the document. The federal reserves would include foods such as rice, legumes and condensed milk.
Other key resources, such as gasoline and oil, could also be rationed with coupons if they became scarce.
Civil protection measures are also outlined, such as transforming subway stations into makeshift bunkers and preparing hospitals for the influx of patients.
When presenting the plans, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser declared that it was necessary for her country to better arm itself against Russian aggression.
“Russian aggression has completely changed the security situation in Europe, first of all among our eastern EU and NATO partners, such as the Baltic States, but also due to hybrid threats, such as cyberattacks, espionage and misinformation here,” he said.
“Therefore, in addition to all the protective measures of our security authorities and military deterrence and defense, we must further strengthen civil protection.”
The document warns that German hospitals would have to prepare to treat large numbers of patients over a long period.
He adds that if war breaks out, the German population cannot count on “government-organized aid” to be provided immediately, due to the possibility of “damage occurring simultaneously in a large number of places.”
Therefore, he says, civilians should be prepared to help themselves first, as well as provide help to neighbors when possible.
Basements, underground car parks and subway stations should be used as temporary bunkers, the document states, adding that attacks could occur with “extremely short notice times.”
Germany’s broadcast and digital media will be required by law to immediately share important government information. As Germany’s state broadcaster, Deutsche Welle will be legally obliged to provide the government with broadcast schedule information for the announcement of new laws, regulations and updates.
The authorities will have the power to evacuate civilians to certain areas, although families should not be separated, the document states.
Although German meteorological services are expected to continue even in an emergency, authorities could prohibit or restrict the publication of forecasts.
“Prepared for war in 2029”
The update of Germany’s war plans comes at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin represents a continuing threat to Europe’s security. His war in Ukraine has entered its second year, with no conclusive end in sight and fears that the conflict could lead to a broader war involving NATO.
On Wednesday, German Defense Minister Pistorius was quoted by the newspaper Der Spiegel as saying: “We must be prepared for war in 2029.”
Pistorius added: “We must not believe that Putin will stop at Ukraine’s borders when he goes that far.”
Likewise, voices from within the British government have expressed the need to be prepared for war. Former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace declared in February that “war is coming” to Britain by the end of the decade, as he called for greater defense investment.
In recent weeks, Russia has issued some of its harshest warnings to the West to date, as some of Ukraine’s allies have given Kyiv permission to use its weapons to attack limited targets inside Russian territory.
On Wednesday, Putin described the supply of Western weaponry as a “very serious and dangerous step” that he said could result in Moscow arming its enemies.
The Russian leader specifically pointed out a breakdown in Russia’s relations with Germany, stating that the appearance of German tanks in Ukraine had caused a “moral, ethical shock”, because “the attitude towards [Alemania] in Russian society had always been very good, very good.
“Now, when they say that some more missiles will appear and attack targets on Russian territory, this, of course, ends up destroying Russian-German relations,” he added.
