Europe urges people to stockpile essentials due to war fears

(CLO) The European Commission said that European Union (EU) citizens should stockpile enough food and other essential supplies to sustain life for at least 72 hours in the event of war.

In new guidance published on Wednesday, the Commission stressed the need for Europe to change its mindset to foster a culture of “readiness” and “resilience”.

The 18-page document warns that Europe is facing a new reality of risk and uncertainty, citing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, rising geopolitical tensions, sabotage of critical infrastructure and electronic warfare as prominent factors.

The European Union has issued a statement calling on citizens to prepare for the risk of war. Photo: European Commission

This EU announcement serves as a wake-up call to member states about the seriousness of the security situation in the bloc.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has prompted European leaders to stress the need to be ready for war. Just as the US administration’s confrontational approach to Europe, particularly over NATO contributions and the war in Ukraine, has sparked a race across the continent to bolster its own military readiness.

The plan, called European Preparedness, outlines practical steps citizens across the continent should take to ensure they are ready in the event of an emergency. This includes having enough essential supplies to last at least three days. “In the event of a major disruption, the first phase is the most important,” the document states.

Overall, the document states that people should be encouraged to develop self-reliance and psychological resilience. The commission also calls for lessons on “preparedness” to be included in school curricula, including providing students with skills to counter misinformation and manipulation.

“New realities demand a new level of preparedness in Europe,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement. “Our citizens, member states and businesses need the right tools to act to prevent crises and react quickly when disasters strike.”

The European Commission's guidance came on Wednesday after individual countries updated their contingency plans.

In June last year, Germany updated its Comprehensive Defense Framework Directive, which provides guidance on what to do if conflict breaks out in Europe. Announcing the plans at the time, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said they were necessary to better arm her country in the event of hostilities involving Russia.

Just last week, France announced it would issue a "survival manual" to all households to help people prepare for urgent threats, including armed conflict on French territory.

Hoang Hai (according to EC, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lien-minh-chau-au-keu-goi-nguoi-dan-tich-tru-nhu-yeu-pham-do-lo-ngai-nguy-co-chien-tranh-post340209.html