EU warn households to stockpile 72 hours worth of supplies and prepare for disaster

The European Union is calling on all citizens to start stockpiling essentials like food, water and medicine to brace themselves for potential crises.

With concerns over global instability on the rise due to threats such as war, cyberattacks, climate extremes and disease outbreaks, the EU emphasises the importance of having at least a three-day supply of necessities to cope with any unforeseen emergencies.

This warning comes as Europe faces mounting challenges, from ongoing tensions with Russia to the lasting impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte recently said that Russia could be capable of launching another attack in Europe by 2030.

The urgent plea was issued to all 450 million residents across the EU's 27-member states, including Ireland, last night.

Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib revealed a new counter-disaster strategy, highlighting: "Today's threats facing Europe are more complex than ever, and they are all interconnected.", reports the Irish Mirror.

While not wanting to sound alarmist, Lahbib said it's important "to make sure people have essential supplies for at least 72 hours in a crisis".

She detailed a checklist of six key items for citizens to amass: Food, water, flashlights, ID documents, medication, and shortwave radios.

Lahbib has urged the EU to establish a "strategic reserve" to stockpile essential resources such as firefighting aircraft, medical, energy and transport equipment, and specialised assets to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

The EU's strategy is in line with measures already implemented by nations such as France, Finland, and Sweden. In the previous year, Sweden refreshed its Cold War-era civil emergency guidance "to better reflect today's security policy reality", which includes preparations for a possible nuclear strike.

Nonetheless, the degree of crisis readiness differs among EU member states, prompting the commission to call for improved coordination during emergencies. Lahbib emphasised: "We can no longer rely on ad hoc reactions."

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