Citizens across the European Union are being advised to stock up on three days’ worth of food, water, medicine, and other essentials in the event of natural disasters, pandemics, or even military attacks, as part of a sweeping new EU-wide preparedness strategy.
The European Commission unveiled the plan on Wednesday, marking the bloc’s first-ever civil preparedness initiative, aimed at improving public awareness and resilience in the face of large-scale crises such as floods, wildfires, cyber-attacks, pandemics, and armed conflict.
“We are saying to member states: 72 hours of self-sufficiency is what we recommend,” said Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management.
The strategy takes inspiration from emergency planning already in place in countries like Germany, Sweden, and Norway, where public awareness campaigns and official guidance have long urged citizens to prepare for the unexpected.
What Should Be in Your Emergency Kit?
Commissioner Lahbib shared a light-hearted video on social media showcasing her own emergency bag, which included:
- Canned food and bottled water
- A Swiss army knife and waterproof matches
- ID documents in protective casing
- A small radio, cash, medicines, and even playing cards
Other recommended items vary depending on national circumstances, but the message is clear: be ready to cope without external support for at least three days.
From Climate Disasters to Armed Aggression
The Commission’s preparedness document warns that the EU must be ready for “large-scale, cross-sectoral incidents and crises”, including “the possibility of armed aggression” against one or more member states. The call for preparedness comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, worsened by climate-driven natural disasters and the lingering memory of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among its proposals, the Commission is calling for:
- An EU-wide Preparedness Day
- The inclusion of crisis readiness in school curriculums
- A coordinated EU stockpiling strategy for critical resources such as raw materials, food, water, and energy
Mixed Reactions Across Europe
Reactions among EU member states are expected to be mixed, with some southern countries concerned about the tone of the messaging. Last week, the EU rebranded its military spending plan from “Rearm Europe” to “Readiness 2030” following criticism from Italy and Spain that it sounded too militaristic.
In contrast, Nordic nations and Germany have long led the way in civil preparedness:
- Sweden advises keeping backup heating, radios, and water at home
- Norway recommends iodine tablets for nuclear threats
- Germany is legislating for safe rooms in new homes and urges people to convert garages or basements into shelters
Critics Say It’s Alarmist, EU Says It’s Sensible
While some may view the call for stockpiling as scaremongering, EU officials insist it’s about being practical and realistic.
“It’s like taking out accident insurance,” said Roxana Mînzatu, a Commission Vice-President.
“It doesn’t mean disaster is certain – but you’re better off being ready.”
Mînzatu admitted she doesn’t yet have her own 72-hour kit, citing her “mobile lifestyle,” but said recent crises from wildfires in Greece to floods in Spain show the need to prepare.
As tensions simmer globally and climate change continues to drive more frequent disasters, the EU’s new preparedness strategy marks a notable cultural shift – from assuming stability to planning for disruption.
For now, the message is simple: Be ready, just in case.
