Emmanuel Macron has ordered the French government to draw up an infrastructure protection plan in response to drone attacks and cyberattacks, warning that the Russian hybrid threat facing France and Europe has intensified.
The French president made the announcement after meeting political party leaders at the Elysee Palace. He said the proposed measures would focus on protecting critical infrastructure from attacks.
“In recent weeks, the threat – particularly the Russian hybrid threat – facing Europeans and France has intensified,” Mr Macron told reporters.
The European Union defines Russian hybrid activities as including sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation and interference in democratic processes. Mr Macron said such attacks would not go unanswered, accusing Moscow of seeking to intimidate Europeans into reducing their support for Ukraine.
“We are not intimidated,” he said, arguing that Europe’s present and future security was at stake in Ukraine.
Mr Macron also said he would convene a Group of Seven meeting in the coming weeks to co-ordinate a response to the energy crisis. He linked rising energy prices to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
“The situation is very difficult and distressing for many families,” the French president said, acknowledging the pressure of higher energy costs on households.
