The European Commission recommends that EU citizens build up an emergency reserve

The European Commission published guidelines on Wednesday to help EU countries prepare households for 72 hours of self-sufficiency, including enough water, food, medicine, batteries, electricity and toiletries to get through the first few days of a potential crisis without external help.

The EU Commission is recommending that not only households stockpile emergency supplies, but also member states stockpile medicines, essential raw materials, food and energy, and have systems in place to ensure a minimum water supply. According to the strategy, the European Commission proposes that each member state organizes a crisis preparedness day at least once a year to raise awareness among the civilian population and businesses of the need for disaster resilience.

On Wednesday, during the presentation of the emergency strategy in Brussels, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib highlighted that as the European Union faces increasingly complex crises and challenges, the EU intends to support member states with guidance and improve Europe’s ability to prevent and respond to emerging threats.

“Peace and stability, which are the pillars of the EU, are no longer guaranteed. Europe’s preparedness and resilience to armed violence could face challenges in the future,”

she said.

From rising geopolitical tensions and conflicts, hybrid and cybersecurity threats, information manipulation, foreign interference to climate change and increasing natural disasters, the EU must be ready to protect its citizens, democracy and key societal functions for everyday life, Lahbib stated.