The European Union has urged citizens to stockpile enough food and other essential supplies to sustain them for at least 72 hours in recent news. In new guidance from Wednesday, the European Commission emphasised the need for Europe to foster a culture of preparedness. This relates to the current ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the potential threat of Russia in Europe. The EU has appealed to its 27 member states to prepare at least 3 days’ worth of survival supplies, including matches, ID documents, bottled water, energy bars, medication, shortwave radios, and flashlights. The European Council President Antonio Costa noted at the European Policy Centre event in Brussels that “If Russia considers that Ukraine’s borders are just a line on a map, why should it respect any other country’s borders?”.
The persistent threat from Russia has led European leaders to emphasise the importance of preparedness and this has been further heightened by the Trump administration’s stance towards Europe, particularly regarding NATO and European support for Ukraine. Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s also has warned about a potential Russian attack in Europe by 2030 and encourages heightened vigilance.
European civilians are also encouraged to foster self-reliance and psychological resilience. The commission also calls for the introduction of preparedness lessons in school curriculum, including educating pupils on how to identify disinformation and information manipulation.
The commission is not to be seen as alarmist, but it is important for people to be prepared in the event of a crisis.
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