Europeans told to stockpile 72 hours worth of food

EU households should stockpile essential supplies to last them 72 hours, to give them resilience in the face of conflict and catastrophes, the European Commission has said.

It made the recommendation on Wednesday, in its EU Preparedness Union Strategy for multiple risks including current geopolitical tensions, the possibility of armed aggression against a member state, natural disasters and cyberattacks.

Why It Matters

The Commission’s advice signals how seriously the EU views potential dangers faced by its member states during the current uncertain times, and that it is determined to “enhance Europe’s capability to prevent and respond to emerging threats.”

The precaution also reflects the rift between the U.S. and Europe, after President Donald Trump’s administration called for European countries to spend more on the continent’s defense and the resulting fear that it might pull the U.S. out of NATO, or seriously undermine the alliance.

What To Know

The Commission’s Strategy says nations should “encourage the public to adopt practical measures, such as maintaining essential supplies for a minimum of 72 hours in emergencies,” as part of its promotion of population preparedness.

It also says survival lessons should be integrated into school curricula, with an EU Preparedness Day.

Titled Protecting Europe’s Essential Societal Functions, the strategy calls for minimum preparedness criteria to be implemented among essential services such as hospitals, schools, transport and telecommunications.

Critical equipment and materials should be stockpiled and countries should focus on “climate adaption,” especially the availability of “critical natural resources such as water.”

The Strategy said it was responding to “growing geopolitical tensions and conflicts, hybrid and cybersecurity threats, foreign information manipulation and interference, to climate change and increasing natural disasters.”

“The EU needs to be ready to protect its citizens and the key societal functions that are crucial for democracy and daily life,” it said.

What People Are Saying

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “New realities require a new level of preparedness in Europe. Our citizens, our Member States, and our businesses need the right tools to act both to prevent crises and to react swiftly when a disaster hits. Families living in flood zones should know what to do when the waters rise. Early warning systems can prevent regions hit by wildfires from losing precious time. Europe stands ready to support member states and trusted partners in the neighborhood to save lives and livelihoods.”

Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib said: “Preparedness must be woven into the fabric of our societies—everyone has a role to play. Today’s threats are fast, complex, and interconnected; our response must be more proactive, more integrated, and more coordinated at the European level. By harnessing the energy of our institutions, businesses, and citizens, we can build resilience and ensure Europe emerges stronger from crises.”

What Happens Next

Some European leaders have already started preparing for life without the U.S. in NATO. On Thursday, The Financial Times reported that Europe’s most significant military powers were putting together plans to take over much of the responsibility for protecting the continent from the U.S, citing unnamed officials.

It comes as French President Emmanuel Macron is set to host European leaders including, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Thursday, for a summit focusing on bolstering Ukrainian security ahead of a potential ceasefire with Russia.