On March 26, 2025, the European Commission unveiled its new Union Preparedness Strategy, a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing the EU's ability to respond to emerging threats. This initiative calls for a paradigm shift in how member states prepare for crises, emphasizing the importance of individual readiness as well as collective action.
At the heart of this strategy is a recommendation for all European citizens to assemble a 72-hour survival kit. This kit should include essential items such as food, water, and important identification documents, enabling individuals to sustain themselves during emergencies, whether they stem from natural disasters or geopolitical tensions.
Hadja Lahbib, the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, addressed the media during the announcement, stating, "In the EU, we must think differently because the threats are different. We need to think big because the threats are also greater." This sentiment underscores the urgency of the situation, as the EU faces complex challenges ranging from climate change to potential military aggression.
The Union's strategy encompasses 30 key measures designed to bolster preparedness across all 27 member states. One of the primary goals is to harmonize guidelines for survival kits, ensuring that citizens are equipped with the necessary supplies to remain self-sufficient during crises. For instance, France already mandates a survival kit that includes water, food, medicine, a portable radio, a flashlight, spare batteries, chargers, cash, copies of important documents, spare keys, warm clothing, and basic tools.
Brussels aims to standardize these guidelines, as a high-ranking EU official noted, saying, "The level of preparedness in the Union and in the various member states is very different. There is no doubt that preparedness is understood in different ways across member states." This reflects the need for a cohesive approach to crisis management.
Another critical component of the strategy is the enhancement of essential supplies and equipment reserves. The EU plans to increase stockpiles of medical countermeasures, critical raw materials, and energy supplies. This initiative is particularly relevant in light of recent global events that have disrupted supply chains and highlighted vulnerabilities in national preparedness.
The strategy also emphasizes the importance of civil-military cooperation in crisis situations. The EU intends to establish a civil-military preparedness framework, defining clear roles and responsibilities for both sectors. Periodic exercises will be conducted to test best practices and improve response effectiveness. As one EU official stated, "We have many real-life examples of the types of threats we need to be prepared for, including sabotage, misinformation campaigns, and cyberattacks."
In addition to these measures, the EU will create a new crisis coordination center and conduct a comprehensive risk and threat assessment, the first of which is expected to be published by the end of 2026. This assessment will help identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement in the EU's crisis response capabilities.
Furthermore, the Commission will publish early warnings and establish a crisis panel to keep member states informed of impending risks. This proactive approach aims to foster a culture of preparedness among citizens, encouraging them to take individual responsibility for their safety.
In her remarks, Commissioner Lahbib highlighted the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, "The added value of acting together, in solidarity, and in coordination within the framework of the European Union is absolutely crucial. This is what makes us more efficient and stronger." This perspective reinforces the idea that collective action is vital for effective crisis management.
As part of the strategy, the EU is also addressing the need for public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about potential risks and the importance of being prepared. This includes integrating preparedness training into school curricula and youth programs, ensuring that future generations are equipped to handle emergencies.
While the strategy has garnered support, it has also faced skepticism from some quarters. Critics have raised concerns that urging citizens to stockpile supplies could incite fear or panic. In response, Vice-President Roxana Minzatu defended the initiative, likening it to "fixing the roof while the sun is shining" to minimize potential damage from future crises.
Ultimately, the EU's Union Preparedness Strategy represents a significant step towards enhancing resilience in the face of a rapidly changing global landscape. By encouraging individuals to prepare for emergencies and fostering cooperation among member states, the EU aims to ensure that its citizens are better equipped to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
As the strategy unfolds, it will be essential for member states to collaborate closely and share best practices, learning from one another's experiences to build a more robust and unified response to crises. The call to action is clear: preparedness is not just a personal responsibility but a collective imperative for the safety and security of all Europeans.
