The recent news from the European Union (EU) is that citizens have been advised to stockpile food and other essential supplies worth almost 3 days in case of a crisis.
The world is certainly a volatile place right now with natural disasters striking in various regions, such as the earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, the forest fires in South Korea, the Uttarakhand avalanche or the Los Angeles fires.
Then there are geopolitical issues with the Gaza and Israel situation still very tender, Russia and Ukraine also existing, and the recent election of Donald Trump as the US President has led to a lot of waves in international politics.
So what exactly has the EU Commission advised its citizens and why?
What Has The EU Said?
On Wednesday, March 26, the European Union (EU) Commission released a Preparedness Union Strategy to help the 27-nation bloc prepare for emerging threats and provide guidance and support on how to prevent them.
This new guidance is prompted by the rising number of complex crises that the EU cannot ignore anymore. As per the strategy, “From growing geopolitical tensions and conflicts, hybrid and cybersecurity threats, foreign information manipulation and interference, to climate change and increasing natural disasters, the EU needs to be ready to protect its citizens and the key societal functions that are crucial for democracy and daily life.”
The strategy has 30 key actions and includes a detailed Action Plan that will help in “developing a ‘preparedness by design culture’ across all EU policies.”
Among the various guidelines, one is to “Encourage the public to adopt practical measures, such as maintaining essential supplies for a minimum of 72 hours in emergencies.”
This includes not just natural disasters but geopolitical crises, disease, cyber attacks, and even the possible attempt of armed aggression against EU countries.
Hospitals, schools, transport, and telecommunications have also been advised to create minimum preparedness criteria. Schools have also been told to introduce an EU Preparedness Day and to develop school curricula centred around preparedness for any crisis.
Read More: Before And After Images Of The Los Angeles Fires Show Haunting Level Of Destruction
As reported on the EU Commission site, President Ursula von der Leyen said, “New realities require a new level of preparedness in Europe. Our citizens, our Member States, and our businesses need the right tools to act both to prevent crises and to react swiftly when a disaster hits. Families living in flood zones should know what to do when the waters rise.
Early warning systems can prevent regions hit by wildfires from losing precious time. Europe stands ready to support Member States and trusted partners in the neighbourhood to save lives and livelihoods.”
Furthermore, Hadja Lahbib, the Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, also commented on this Strategy, saying “Preparedness must be woven into the fabric of our societies — everyone has a role to play.
Today’s threats are fast, complex, and interconnected; our response must be more proactive, more integrated, and more coordinated at European level. By harnessing the energy of our institutions, businesses, and citizens, we can build resilience and ensure Europe emerges stronger from crises.”
Today, the EU launches its new #Preparedness Strategy.
“Ready for anything” — this must be our new European way of life. Our motto and #hashtag. pic.twitter.com/fA1z8ZvMDA
— Hadja Lahbib (@hadjalahbib) March 26, 2025
In a social media video, Lahbib also lists some of the important items that must be included in the kit, including food, water, a flashlight, a power bank, a radio, cash, and medication.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Business Insider, The Guardian, Reuters
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