EU urges households to prepare 3-day survival kits amid rising crisis
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The strategy reportedly draws influence from Scandinavian preparedness models.
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European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Hadja Lahbib speaks with the media as she arrives for a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
AFP on Tuesday reported that the European Union is preparing to unveil a plan encouraging citizens across its 27 member states to keep a three-day emergency kit at home, equipped with essentials like bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and other survival items.
EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib shared that the proposal will be officially introduced on Wednesday as part of a broader "preparedness strategy" aimed at bolstering both civilian and military readiness throughout the bloc. The initiative follows a key report from last year that stressed the importance of strengthening Europe's capacity to respond to crises.
Lahbib explained that the recommendation is for individuals to be ready for 72 hours of self-sufficiency, in the event of war, natural disasters, or other emergencies. "Knowing what to do in case of danger, gaming out different scenarios, that's also a way to prevent people from panicking," said Lahbib, referencing the panic buying seen in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survival kit would include about a dozen critical items, such as matches and waterproof storage for identification documents. The EU is also pushing for the creation of a "national preparedness day" across member states to help coordinate and assess each country's progress on readiness.
"This comes in addition to national strategies," Lahbib said. "It's about better coordinating, supporting member states in their strategies."
Read more: Europe struggles with costly energy shift amid crisis fallout: NYT
The strategy draws influence from Scandinavian preparedness models. Countries like Finland, Sweden, and Denmark have already taken steps to ready their populations for potential crises, especially as the war in Ukraine enters its third year.
In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, three lawmakers from the centrist Renew Europe group called for even stronger action—proposing that a preparedness handbook be sent to every household, addressing threats ranging from armed conflict to climate disasters, pandemics, and cyberattacks.
