France set to boost protection of critical infrastructure, defense sites amid 'Russian hybrid attacks'

France's president said Friday that he had ordered tightened protection of critical infrastructure and defense sites in the face of "Russian hybrid attacks."

"At our request, the interior minister brought together all the regional prefects yesterday to raise the level of preparedness and vigilance regarding Russian hybrid attacks," Emmanuel Macron told reporters after meeting with heads of political parties.

He said they had asked the government to prepare a plan to protect critical infrastructure, as well as the most sensitive sites of the defense industrial and technological base, against drone and cyberattacks.

"In recent weeks, the threat, particularly the Russian hybrid threat toward Europeans and France, has intensified," said Macron.

He called for vigilance and action while being aware that similar maneuvers and attacks could take place in cities or sensitive areas.

"I think it would be a mistake for Russia to continue acting toward Europeans in this way. The intention behind this is to intimidate us and to disrupt efforts to support Ukrainians; the consequence will be the opposite," added Macon.

He said they continue to boost France's protection against foreign interference and cyberattacks.

"We have drafted new legislation on foreign interference, as well as on cyber issues, which will continue through the legislative process as quickly as we can so that they can be fully applicable in the coming weeks," he said.

Growing concern over gas prices and energy

“Concern is growing over gas prices and the energy situation," said Macron

He said this was due to “the war in the Near and Middle East," as well as the war in Ukraine.

"The consequences of the attacks launched by the United States and Israel against Iran have added to the situation," Macron added.

He said France is "doing everything it can" to facilitate the peaceful reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

"This depends on the ability to finalize an agreement, which we believe is unlikely between Iran and the United States in the short term," he stressed.

He also said France is trying to secure their volumes and supplies in the most sensitive categories, particularly jet fuel and gas.

"France is at the expected level of (gas) storage and will have its storage facilities filled for this winter, as required under European criteria," he said.

He added that Europe, as a whole, remains more dependent on gas than France itself. "So we must act to ensure that there are no tensions in this market. Thus, diesel, jet fuel and gas are our priorities."

Macron further announced that he would meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday to strengthen trade exchanges in petroleum products and liquefied natural gas.

He also said they would have a G7 meeting in the coming weeks devoted to ongoing energy issues.