Fearing Russian 'hybrid attacks', Macron orders tighter security for key infrastructure

Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, fears of what are being called "hybrid attacks" have been growing steadily in Europe. In response, France has begun strengthening its security setup. French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered that a special plan be prepared to protect the country's critical infrastructure.

The plan will focus on protecting key systems from cyberattacks, drone-related incidents, sabotage and other possible forms of interference.

Several European countries have in recent times raised concerns about such hybrid actions, which are being attributed to Russia. Drone movements, cyberattacks, attempts to spread disinformation and incidents of sabotage have made the security situation in European countries more serious. This is why France has also started testing the readiness of its key systems.

The new security plan is likely to prioritise infrastructure essential to the country's day-to-day functioning. A cyber or physical attack on power supply, the transport system, communications, digital networks, government systems and other essential services could have a major impact. The plan will therefore focus both on preventing potential attacks and on improving the ability to restore services quickly after an attack.

Macron called a meeting of the National Defence and Security Council on September 16. The meeting discussed the war in Ukraine as well as the rising hybrid attacks in Europe. France has previously raised concerns about hybrid actions believed to be linked to Russia.

Steps are now being taken to build a larger, better coordinated system to protect critical infrastructure. This is expected to prepare France's security agencies to respond on multiple fronts, from cyber threats to physical infrastructure.

According to the latest information, Macron called the meeting of the Defence and Security Council on September 16, 2026, in view of the rising hybrid attacks in Europe. France's foreign ministry has also raised concerns about Russian hybrid attacks.