Across Sweden, a growing sense of urgency is leading many to stockpile food and supplies as fears of a wider conflict in Europe intensify. This shift in public behavior comes as authorities actively encourage citizens to boost their personal readiness.
The focus on individual preparedness is a key part of Sweden’s “total defence” strategy, which was revived in 2015 and strengthened after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The government advises every household to have enough food and water to be self-sufficient for at least a week in a crisis.
At civil preparedness fairs, like one recently held in Stockholm, Swedes are taking these recommendations seriously. “I have bought a camping stove… I’ve set aside blankets for warmth,” shared one 71-year-old attendee, who has also taken courses on long-term food preservation.
Official guidelines suggest storing high-energy, non-perishable items like pesto, dried meat, powdered milk, chocolate, and biscuits. The reasoning is that people would need more calories—about 100 more per day on average—in a crisis scenario that requires increased physical activity.
For some, like Stockholm resident Martin Svennberg, preparedness goes beyond mere sustenance. He has stored over 100 kilograms of flour and months worth of food in his basement, believing that familiar, comforting foods provide crucial moral support during difficult times.
Recent surveys reflect a concerned public. A March poll found that 86% of Swedes believe the country is worth defending, and a growing number reported feeling “worried” after receiving a government preparedness brochure.
Logistics also present a significant challenge. With food production and imports concentrated in the south, officials note that distributing supplies across the country’s vast and sparsely populated areas during a conflict would be a major hurdle, a problem currently faced by Ukraine.
