EU Residents Encouraged to Stockpile Essentials Amid Potential Threats

BRUSSELS—A newly released report advises European Union citizens to stockpile essential supplies in light of potential conflicts or significant emergencies. The report, crafted by former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, acting as a Special Adviser to the President of the European Commission, highlights the need for enhanced readiness across the continent.

Published on Wednesday, the report examines Europe's current state of preparedness in both civilian and military sectors. It points out the EU's previous lack of readiness during critical events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's actions in Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity for a shift from reactive responses to proactive strategies.

To ensure readiness, the report recommends that EU households prepare for self-sufficiency for up to 72 hours in case of emergencies. It urges member states to provide citizens with guidelines on creating stockpiles, executing evacuation plans, and accessing emergency services.

Among the suggestions is a list of basic supplies to keep on hand, including food, water, medications, flashlights, and battery-powered radios. This guidance is intended to prepare EU residents for a range of potential crises, from pandemics to natural disasters and military threats.

The recent history of the COVID-19 pandemic, when global stockpiling led to shortages, underscores the importance of such preparedness measures.

Image: Pandemic Aftermath
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, empty shelves at a Monoprix supermarket in Paris highlighted the necessity of stockpiling essentials. [CHESNOT/GETTY IMAGES]

While the report does not single out any specific threat, it identifies Russian aggression as a significant concern, calling for a clear strategy to address armed conflicts potentially involving EU member states. "Russia poses a significant challenge to European security, necessitating its prioritization in our preparedness efforts," the report asserts.

It further notes that while countries adjacent to Russia feel the threat most acutely, any aggressive actions would impact all 27 EU member states. "The territorial integrity and political independence of each EU member is deeply linked to that of the entire bloc," the report states.

Empowering citizens is highlighted as a core component of the EU's preparedness strategy, with a strong focus on increasing public awareness and encouraging self-reliance.

Additionally, the report recommends that at least 20 percent of the EU's budget be allocated to bolstering security and crisis readiness, along with suggesting enhanced intelligence sharing among member states.

This detailed 165-page report was formally presented to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday, setting the stage for discussions on how to fortify the bloc's preparedness against future threats.