The European Union (EU) has issued a stark warning to its 450 million citizens, urging them to stockpile essential supplies to last at least 72 hours. The call comes as the 27-nation bloc braces for a range of potential crises, including war, cyberattacks, climate change, and disease.
Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib unveiled the EU’s new disaster preparedness strategy on Wednesday, emphasizing the interconnected nature of modern threats. “Today’s threats facing Europe are more complex than ever, and they are all interconnected,” Lahbib said. She advised citizens to stockpile food, water, flashlights, ID papers, medicine, and shortwave radios to ensure survival during emergencies.
The EU’s push for preparedness follows years of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s attempts to exploit Europe’s reliance on natural gas to weaken support for Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has warned that Russia could launch another attack in Europe by 2030, further heightening the need for readiness.
The commission’s strategy also includes building a “strategic reserve” of critical resources such as firefighting planes, medical supplies, energy and transport equipment, and specialized assets to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. Lahbib stressed the importance of creating a coordinated approach across member states, noting that not all EU countries have the same level of crisis preparedness.
“We can no longer rely on ad hoc reactions,” Lahbib said, urging member states to align their emergency plans. The EU’s initiative mirrors existing measures in countries like France, Finland, and Sweden. Last year, Sweden updated its Cold War-era civil emergency advice to address modern security concerns, including nuclear attacks.
While the commission is careful not to appear alarmist, Lahbib underscored the importance of proactive measures. “It’s crucial to make sure people have essential supplies for at least 72 hours in a crisis,” she said.