Jamie Spencer
Call for Preparedness
European Union citizens should stockpile enough food and essential supplies to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours in the event of a crisis, the EU Commission said in new guidance issued Wednesday. The 18-page document emphasizes a continent-wide shift toward fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience.
Mounting Threats
The Commission cites multiple ongoing threats—Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, increasing geopolitical tensions, sabotage of critical infrastructure, and electronic warfare—as reasons why Europe must adapt to a more volatile environment. The initiative acts as a wake-up call to the bloc’s deteriorating security landscape.
Changing Defense Posture
The persistent threat from Russia and tensions with the Trump administration over NATO contributions and Ukraine support have sparked a race within Europe to bolster military and civilian readiness. The Commission’s new European Preparedness Union Strategy urges all EU citizens to take practical steps to be ready in an emergency. This includes keeping enough essential items for at least three days. “In the case of extreme disruptions, the initial period is the most critical,” the document explains.
Education and Self-Reliance
The guidance also recommends integrating preparedness lessons into school curricula, including teaching students how to identify and resist disinformation. Promoting self-reliance and mental resilience among the population is a key focus of the strategy.
Political Support and National Plans
“New realities require a new level of preparedness in Europe,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. “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.”
The EU-level strategy follows similar actions at the national level. In June 2023, Germany updated its Framework Directive for Overall Defense to outline actions in the event of conflict. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the directive was vital to prepare for possible Russian aggression.
