This initiative is part of the EU's broader Preparedness Strategy, designed to enhance the bloc's readiness for crises such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, pandemics, and geopolitical conflicts.
In recent years, the EU has weathered COVID-19 and the threat from Russia, including its attempts to exploit Europe’s dependence on its natural gas to weaken support for Ukraine.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has warned that Russia could be capable of launching another attack in Europe by 2030.
“Today’s threats facing Europe are more complex than ever, and they are all interconnected,” said Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib as she unveiled a new strategy for dealing with future disasters.
While the commission is keen not to be seen as alarmist, Lahbib said it’s important “to make sure people have essential supplies for at least 72 hours in a crisis.” She listed food, water, flashlights, ID papers, medicine and shortwave radios as things to stock.
Lahbib said the EU should build up a “strategic reserve” and stockpile other critical resources including firefighting planes; medical, energy and transport equipment; and specialized assets against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.
The EU’s plans are similar to those in France, Finland and Sweden.
Last year, Sweden updated its Cold War-era civil emergency advice “to better reflect today’s security policy reality” such as what to do in case of nuclear attack.
(With inputs from AP)
