In a significant move reflecting increasing geopolitical uncertainties, the European Union proposed a new strategy requiring all member states to stockpile emergency supplies at home. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized the need for European households to prepare for potential disasters, stating during a recent speech at a Danish military academy that "Europe must prepare in case of war." On March 26, 2025, the EU will unveil a document advocating for these emergency provisions and designating a European Preparation Day to raise public awareness about resilience in the face of crises.
The document titled the "Union Preparedness Strategy" outlines a framework for addressing emerging threats such as armed conflict, natural disasters, and pandemics. It recommends that each household maintain a survival kit containing essential supplies for at least 72 hours without external assistance. Key items suggested include potable water, non-perishable food, basic medications, and batteries to ensure preparedness during emergencies.
This push for preparedness comes after multiple EU nations, including France, Sweden, and Belgium, initiated similar awareness campaigns. These nations issued their manuals on emergency preparedness, urging citizens to acquire necessary resources. According to a report from the European Commission, collaboration between countries has suffered from "fragmentation, disorganization, and inefficiency". Von der Leyen stressed the importance of a cohesive response strategy, as she outlined concerns of dwindling cooperation amid shifting global alliances.
The recommended emergency kit contents reflect lessons learned from recent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and rampant climate-related emergencies. The initial 72-hour window of self-sufficiency is seen as critical, allowing citizens to manage their immediate needs until government assistance can be mobilized.
The Commission’s latest plans also coincide with the ReArm proposal, which aims to allocate €800,000 for defense investments and the Readiness 2030 initiative that will enable up to €150 billion in credits for military preparedness. This increased emphasis on defense comes against the backdrop of unpredictable global dynamics, particularly with the United States under the current administration, which has tilted its focus toward the Indo-Pacific and away from European allies. This has raised concerns about Europe's reliance on its self-defensive capabilities.
The need for greater citizen preparedness is underscored by recent surveys indicating that 95% of EU respondents believe their countries face multiple disaster risks, with extreme weather events being the most frequently cited threat. Alarmingly, one in three citizens reported having experienced a disaster in the last decade, excluding the pandemic itself. Yet, more than half of those surveyed acknowledged feeling unprepared for future crises.
Former Finnish president Sauli Niinisto, who authored a comprehensive report titled “Safer Together: Strengthening Europe’s Civilian and Military Preparedness and Readiness,” highlighted the unavailability of critical personal preparedness in many households across member states. The report emphasizes that enhancing individual and family readiness can significantly improve resilience against various adversities, from extreme weather and pandemics to cyberattacks and armed conflicts.
Nations like Belgium, Norway, and Sweden are spearheading campaigns to enhance public knowledge on emergency readiness using governmental resources to prepare households for potential disruptions. For instance, Belgium has recommended that citizens include essential items such as a battery-powered radio, identification documents, warm clothing, and cash for emergencies that may disrupt electronic payments.
Critically, the upcoming European Preparation Day aims to foster a culture of readiness among the populace, recognizing the need for proactive measures. As noted by the Commission, the coordinated efforts of member states will facilitate a unified response, enabling better resource distribution during times of crisis.
"We cannot overlook the necessity of preparing our communities to withstand these challenges. It is not just about resilience in infrastructure but ensuring that every individual is ready for what may come," the Commission stated. This sentiment aligns with advice already proffered by various EU countries, which reflect a strategic adaptation to ongoing security threats.
Furthermore, the European Strategy will encompass 30 critical actions, addressing everything from public communication during crises to coordinated evacuation plans and establishing early warning systems. This proactive approach is pivotal as the EU confronts escalating security threats stemming from not only traditional warfare but also the digital and infrastructural dimensions of modern conflicts.
The popularization of emergency kits mirrors long-standing practices in countries historically vulnerable to significant natural disasters, such as Japan and the United States. These nations have long recognized the importance of preparedness to mitigate the impact of catastrophic events on their populations.
As the EU gears up to launch this multidimensional strategy, it aims to bolster not just governmental, but societal preparedness against multifaceted risks that threaten Europe's stability. The European Commission's commitment to action signifies a turning point in how the continent perceives its readiness in an ever-convoluted global landscape.
