European Union Urges Households to Stock Up on Emergency Supplies as a Precaution

This Wednesday, the European Commission unveiled a groundbreaking civil preparedness strategy, urging every household within the European Union (EU) to maintain basic emergency supplies to withstand at least 72 hours without external aid. The recommendations include essentials such as water, medication, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, chargers, a radio, eyeglasses, cash, and even a deck of cards.

The document, accessed by the Spanish newspaper El País, is a crucial component of the European Preparedness Strategy for severe crises. These crises could range from war and nuclear accidents to natural disasters, pandemics, or cyberattacks. Brussels is focused on bolstering the readiness of member states and their citizens against the growing global vulnerability.

Preparing for the Unthinkable

The strategy draft emphasizes the urgency of strengthening preparedness in the face of increasing natural and man-made risks and deteriorating security prospects for Europe. While crisis management will still largely fall on national, regional, and local governments, the European Commission aims to take an active role in coordination, information dissemination, and logistical support, particularly during large-scale events like floods, wildfires, or hybrid attacks.

According to Hadja Lahbib, the European Commissioner for Crisis Management and Equality, member states "can no longer face large-scale threats alone." She highlighted the importance of cooperation and shared learning, drawing from experiences of past crises such as the pandemic, recent natural disasters, or the war in Ukraine.

Lahbib introduced a European 'emergency kit' in an informal video, showcasing items like glasses, a lighter, a Swiss Army knife, medication, water, food, a radio, a flashlight, portable chargers, cash, and a deck of cards. She humorously remarked that "a credit card might just be a piece of plastic" during potential power outages.

Preparedness for European Families

Beyond humor, the strategy underscores the need for European families, especially those in high-risk areas, to be ready to act independently for at least three days. "Families living in flood-prone areas should know what to do when waters rise," reminded Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

Introducing PreparEU: A Digital Platform for Emergencies

As part of the plan, the launch of PreparEU, a digital platform available via web and app, is included. It will offer alerts, information, and personalized warnings to European citizens and tourists, tailored to the various risks in each region. The goal is to have it fully operational by 2026.

The action plan also outlines 30 practical measures aimed at enhancing the response capabilities of member countries. These include ensuring citizens have basic supplies for the initial 72 hours of a crisis, setting minimum preparedness standards for hospitals, schools, transportation, and telecommunications, improving the storage of critical resources like water, food, and medicine, and even evaluating access to shelters and safe spaces in case of disasters.

While Brussels clarifies that there is no intention to incite panic, the document's language reflects a preparedness rhetoric for extreme scenarios. "The new reality is marked by increasing risks and profound uncertainty," the Commission asserts.

Spain's Response to the Strategy

The government of Pedro Sánchez has also signaled its alignment with this vision of a more autonomous and resilient Europe. The president has recently expressed support for the creation of a European Army and is working on a national plan to boost the defense industry, as part of a new common security framework.