The EU is urging citizens to assemble a 72-hour emergency kit in anticipation of potential crises.
Facing heightened risks from conflicts, cyberattacks, climate change, and outbreaks, the European Union is recommending that its 450 million residents store a minimum of three days’ worth of essential supplies.
Hadja Lahbib, the EU’s Commissioner for Crisis Management, announced on Wednesday that this advice is part of a wider effort to bolster civil defense capabilities across the EU. While refraining from directly naming Russia, she emphasized that the situation in Ukraine poses a threat to European security.
“We have witnessed three years of intense conflict in Ukraine, involving bombs, bullets, drones, fighter jets, trenches, and submarines. This underscores the direct threat to European security,” Lahbib stated.
Several EU member states, including France, Poland, the Baltic countries, and Finland, have consistently identified Moscow as a significant threat to the region. Their concerns revolve around alleged Russian cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and attempts at political interference. They also view the Ukraine conflict as an act of aggression with military implications for the EU.
Moscow has consistently denied any intention to attack NATO or EU countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed these claims as “nonsense” designed to instill fear in European populations and justify increased military spending.
“Our goal is to ensure people are prepared, not panicked,” Lahbib explained. “Preparedness is not about creating fear; it’s a sensible approach given the current uncertainties.”
As part of this strategy, the EU is advising households to stockpile necessities like non-perishable foods, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and important documents. Citizens are also advised to have a shortwave radio available in case of power outages or communication disruptions.
The EU is also planning a strategic reserve of critical resources, including firefighting aircraft, medical transport, mobile hospitals, and protective equipment for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear events.
“The threats facing Europe today are more intricate and interconnected than ever before,” Lahbib stated. “From conflicts near our borders to the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters, the EU must be ready for the unexpected,” she added.
This initiative mirrors established practices in countries like Finland and Sweden, where civil defense preparedness and emergency guidelines are more developed. Sweden, for example, recently updated its ‘If Crisis or War Comes’ handbook to include modern scenarios and guidance on responding to nuclear threats.
The Commission’s new plan also involves establishing an EU-level crisis hub to coordinate responses across borders and ensure the continuity of essential services, including healthcare, energy, and telecommunications.
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