Macron Orders Infrastructure Protection Amid Russian Hybrid Threats

President Emmanuel Macron ordered the French government to develop a protection plan for critical infrastructure, including sensitive defense and technology sites, following an intensification of Russian hybrid threats. Speaking from the Elysee Palace on September 18, Macron specifically highlighted the risk of drone and cyber attacks, accusing Moscow of attempting to intimidate Europeans into reducing their support for Ukraine. He asserted that Europe's security is tied to the outcome in Ukraine and stated that these attacks "will not go unanswered."

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has since mobilized regional prefects and state services to increase vigilance. These security measures followed a crisis meeting where French military and intelligence leadership briefed Macron and parliamentary party leaders on the deteriorating international security situation.

Simultaneously, Macron announced he will convene a Group of Seven meeting in the coming weeks to coordinate a response to a global energy crisis. This crisis, driven by the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, has caused diesel benchmarks to exceed $200 a barrel. The G7 will evaluate options for lifting restrictions or releasing strategic oil-product stockpiles to mitigate skyrocketing fuel prices. To further secure supplies, Macron plans to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to strengthen trade in petroleum and liquefied natural gas.