EU proposes Europeans stockpile resources for 72 hours of self-sufficiency

European citizens have received official advice from Brussels: learn to survive for three days without electricity, communications, or state support. For Ukrainians, who have already overcome such challenges over several winters, these recommendations are not new, as they did not require special instructions.

What the new EU strategy contains

On 3 November, during the European Civil Protection Forum, representatives of the European Commission presented guidelines for increasing population readiness. This document is not a binding law but forms part of the 2025 Union Readiness Strategy. Each government independently decides how to implement these recommendations within its territory.

The document defines four key areas of action:

• The ability of citizens to independently meet basic needs for at least 72 hours until state aid arrives, which implies having stockpiles and a "go-bag".
• Introducing safety training in kindergartens and lower school grades in a way that does not frighten children.
• Ensuring crisis plans are accessible to people with disabilities and involving them in the planning process.
• Timely and clear public information about potential risks.

Practical advice and dates

Although the document itself does not contain a detailed list of items to stockpile, European media mention a standard set: drinking water, food that does not require heat treatment, medicines, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered radio, and a torch. These items are necessary in case of power and communication outages.

In addition, Brussels proposed declaring 23 October the annual EU Readiness Day. The first such planned observance will take place in October 2027.

Officials' position and context for Ukraine

Russia is not mentioned in the text of the recommendations, and threats are described in general terms as "increasingly frequent and complex crises". European Commissioner for Readiness Hadja Lahbib commented on the situation succinctly: "Коли стається лихо, перші години можуть вирішити все" (When disaster strikes, the first hours can decide everything).

For Ukrainian society, these measures are not news. Since autumn 2022, the way of life in Ukraine has already been built on these principles: using power banks and generators, stockpiling water, working in cafes by candlelight. What is now being formalised on paper in Brussels has long become part of everyday life in Ukraine.

Business aspect of crisis resilience

This document is a signal that the EU is preparing for more than a flood. It is important to realise how long a business can function without electricity. For many companies, three days without access to banking apps and payment terminals will be a bigger problem than three days without light in a private home.

Crisis readiness cannot be formed in the moment of an emergency. It is established when it seems that such preparation is not needed.