EU urges all to prepare for war with survival kits
What's the story
The European Union (EU) has urged its citizens in all 27 member states to prepare three-day survival kits amid growing concerns about a World War-like situation. The Associated Press reported that the residents were told to stockpile food, water, and other essentials to last at least 72 hours. The strategy was unveiled on Wednesday by the European Commission.
Kit details
EU survival kits: Contents and purpose
It includes a list of 30 concrete actions it says EU member states need to take to boost their preparedness against potential future crises ranging from natural disasters and industrial accidents to attacks by malicious actors in the cyber or military domains. "In the EU we must think different because the threats are different, we must think bigger because the threats are bigger too," Hadja Lahbib, the Commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management, told reporters.
Legislative support
EU lawmakers advocate for more comprehensive preparedness measures
Several member nations have already established such rules, with various timelines. France, for example, recommends a 72-hour survival kit that includes food, water, medicines, a portable radio, a flashlight, replacement batteries, chargers, cash, copies of crucial documents, including medical prescriptions, spare keys, warm clothes, and basic tools such as utility knives. Like France, Brussels has also proposed suggestions in recent weeks to increase the stockpiling of crucial medicines and essential minerals.
Regional efforts
Scandinavian countries lead the way in preparedness
Norwegian officials are carrying out mass evacuation drills, while Sweden has handed out pamphlets titled "If Crisis or War Comes" to its people. Finland has alerted citizens to be prepared for "incidents and crises," and Denmark has suggested essential supplies for three days of crisis. These efforts are in line with the EU's wider push to encourage a "national preparedness day" to ensure member states are on track with these plans.
Strategic inspiration
Strategy inspired by Finland's former president's report
This preparation drive follows a report by former Finnish president Sauli Niinisto last year, which stressed improving Europe's civilian and military readiness. Commissioner Lahbib also pointed out the psychological effects of such preparation in an interview with AFP. Knowing what to do in danger and planning for different scenarios can keep people from panicking, especially in crises like the pandemic when toilet paper was cleared off shelves, she said.