EU urges citizens to stockpile 3-day supplies
BRUSSELS—The European Union on Wednesday urged citizens across the continent to stockpile food, water and other essentials to last at least 72 hours as war, cyberattacks, climate change and disease increase the chances of a crisis.
The call to action for the EU’s 450 million citizens comes as the 27-nation bloc rethinks its security, especially after the Trump administration warned that Europe must take more responsibility for it.
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.
‘More complex threats’
“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.”
