The European Union has urged its citizens to stockpile sufficient quantities of food and essential supplies for at least 72 hours, according to an announcement by the European Commission.
In new guidelines published yesterday, Wednesday, the Commission stressed the need for Europe to adopt a new mindset that strengthens "preparedness" and "resilience."
The 18-page document warns of a new European context characterized by risks and growing uncertainty, including Russia's large-scale war in Ukraine, rising geopolitical tensions, sabotage targeting vital infrastructure and cyberattacks.
It appears that this initiative from Brussels is a warning signal to member states about the seriousness of the security situation in the European Union.
The persistent Russian threat has prompted European leaders to stress the need to prepare for conflict, especially in the face of the US president's confrontational approach. Donald Trump towards Europe, particularly regarding contributions to NATO and the war in Ukraine, which has prompted the continent to accelerate the strengthening of its military preparedness.
The Commission's "European Union Preparedness" strategy stipulates that citizens across the continent must take concrete steps to ensure their emergency preparedness, including stockpiling essential supplies for at least three days. The document emphasizes that "the initial period is the most crucial in the event of major disruptions."
The document also emphasizes the importance of strengthening the autonomy and psychological resilience of civilians.
Furthermore, the Commission calls for the integration of "preparedness" courses into school curricula, including equipping students with skills to combat disinformation and information manipulation.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said in a statement: "The new context demands an unprecedented level of preparedness in Europe. Our citizens, our Member States and our businesses need the right tools to prevent crises and respond quickly in the event of a disaster."
These directives come at a time when some countries had already developed their own emergency plans.
