EU Commissioner urges citizens to carry a knife. Illegally
Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Crisis Preparedness and Response, released a video that punches common sense right in the gut. With a tone meant to be reassuring but landing somewhere between bizarre and alarming, she opened her purse to reveal an emergency kit: a water bottle, a flashlight, and—unbelievably—a Swiss Army knife. She then encouraged all EU citizens to carry such a kit at all times to survive the first 72 hours of a crisis.
But this isn’t just some practical survival tip. Lahbib is effectively encouraging millions of people to carry a knife—a move that, in many EU countries, is illegal and can lead to serious criminal charges. For an official of her stature, such a statement isn’t just tone-deaf—it’s a glaring sign of how detached Brussels has become from reality.
The legality of carrying a Swiss Army knife varies across Europe, but in many countries it’s either outright prohibited or heavily restricted. In Italy, for instance, carrying any knife with a blade longer than 4 cm without a justified reason is considered unlawful possession of a weapon, punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a fine. A typical Swiss Army knife, with blades ranging from 7 to 9 cm, easily exceeds this limit, potentially landing unwitting citizens in legal trouble just for keeping one in their pocket or purse. In France, knives with fixed or locking blades fall under category D weapons and cannot be carried without a valid reason, such as work or specific recreational activities. The UK is even stricter: carrying any knife with a blade longer than 3 inches (about 7.6 cm), or any locking blade, in public without a legitimate reason is illegal, with penalties reaching up to 7 years in prison. In Germany, foldable knives with locking mechanisms are banned from being carried on the person, and in Spain, knife possession is broadly prohibited except in justified cases. In short, Lahbib’s “advice” isn’t just impractical—it could lead unsuspecting citizens to break the law.
The video, shared through her official social media channels, quickly triggered a wave of criticism and disbelief. Lahbib, a Belgian member of the liberal Mouvement Réformateur and a leading figure in the Renew Europe group, seems to have leaned on her past as a TV journalist to present a dangerously misleading message in a polished package. Behind the appearance of light, “helpful” communication lies a far more troubling aim: to normalize the idea of a Europe in permanent emergency mode—thus paving the way for an €800 billion plan to boost European military capabilities, even though there is no clear threat justifying such a move.
The war in Ukraine, after all, remains a regional conflict, and the EU’s internal security data does not point to any crisis that would warrant arming civilians, or the continent, on such a scale.
Reactions were swift. Critics denounced the Commissioner’s message as either dangerously simplistic or cynically manipulative. Some saw it as a trivialization of real crises, others as the soft sell of a hidden militarist agenda. Meanwhile, the von der Leyen Commission, of which Lahbib is a key member, continues to push for a militarization path that seems to cater more to the interests of the defense industry than to the needs of EU citizens.
This video is not just a misstep. It’s proof that Europe has lost its compass, ready to pour massive resources into an unjustified “defense” effort while asking its people to carry around a pocketknife as if that were the solution.
Brussels has lost its mind, and this surreal invitation is the clearest sign yet.
The legality of carrying a pocket knife in public varies significantly across European countries, as each nation has its own laws regarding weapons and dangerous items.
Below is an overview of the main regulations in several European countries where carrying such knives—like a Swiss Army knife or small folding knife—is generally illegal or heavily restricted without a valid reason. Note that laws can be complex, and enforcement often depends on context, police discretion, and the specific characteristics of the knife (blade length, locking mechanism, etc.).
France: carrying a knife in public without a legitimate reason (e.g., work, picnic, outdoor activities) is prohibited. Knives are classified as category D weapons, and unjustified possession can lead to fines up to €15,000 or one year in prison. A non-locking Swiss Army knife is often tolerated in appropriate contexts, but police discretion plays a major role.
Germany: it is prohibited to carry knives with locking blades that can be opened with one hand (like many Swiss Army knives) or fixed blades longer than 12 cm without justification (e.g., work, sports). Non-locking knives under 12 cm are generally allowed, but in designated “weapon-free zones” (Waffenverbotszonen), even small knives can be confiscated. Penalties include fines or up to one year in prison.
Italy: carrying a knife in public without a “justified reason” (e.g., work, camping, agricultural use) is illegal under Article 4 of Law 110/1975 and Article 699 of the Penal Code. A Swiss Army knife with a blade longer than 4 cm can be considered an unauthorized weapon, punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a fine. Police discretion is key: you’re more likely to be stopped in cities than in rural areas.
Spain: carrying knives in public without a valid reason (e.g., fishing, work) is prohibited. Royal Decree 137/1993 bans knives with blades over 11 cm, double-edged knives, or those that open with one hand. Even small pocket knives can be confiscated without justification. Penalties range from fines to up to four years in prison.
Netherlands: carrying knives in public is prohibited without a valid reason under the Weapons and Ammunition Act (Wet Wapens en Munitie). Even a small Swiss Army knife may be considered a weapon unless linked to a specific activity (e.g., work, camping). Penalties include fines or up to 9 months in prison.
Denmark: it is illegal to carry knives in public without a legitimate reason (e.g., work, hunting). Folding knives under 12 cm are tolerated if justified, but locking or automatic knives are banned. Penalties can reach up to 6 months in prison.
Sweden: Swedish law prohibits carrying knives in public places (including vehicles and schools) without a valid reason (e.g., work, outdoor activity). Even a Swiss Army knife may be confiscated if unjustified, with penalties including fines or up to one year in jail.
Norway: carrying knives in urban areas is prohibited without a specific reason (e.g., fishing, camping). In nature, the “principle of legitimate interest” allows a knife suitable for the activity, but even a small knife can be problematic in the city. Penalties range from fines to prison.
United Kingdom: even in a non-EU country like the United Kingdom, it’s not allowed.
Carrying any knife in public without a “good reason” (e.g., for work, sport) is illegal. Folding, non-locking knives with a blade under 7.62 cm (3 inches) can be carried without justification, as long as they are not used in a threatening way. Locking blades or knives longer than 3 inches require a valid reason—otherwise, one may face up to 7 years in prison.
In many of these countries, owning a Swiss Army knife is technically legal, but carrying it in public without a valid reason may violate the law. What counts as a “valid reason” is often vague and left to the discretion of authorities.
Some countries like Switzerland are more permissive: carrying a traditional Swiss Army knife is generally accepted if the blade is under 5 cm and it’s not considered a weapon. In others, such as the Czech Republic or Finland, regulations are more relaxed as long as the knife isn’t used in a threatening manner.
Countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway—and even the non-EU United Kingdom—prohibit or strictly limit carrying a pocket knife in public without a clear and valid justification.
If you plan to travel with a pocket knife, always check local laws and consider keeping it in your luggage rather than in your pocket. The golden rule is common sense: in urban areas, a knife without a clear reason invites trouble, while in rural or activity-based contexts, it’s more often tolerated.