EU tells the public to hold 72 hours of emergency supplies | 26 March 2025 | Europe should enhance stockpiling of critical equipment and encourage the public to maintain sufficient supplies for at least 72 hours in case of emergencies, the European Commission said on Wednesday. The Commission said in its new EU Preparedness Union Strategy that the bloc was preparing for risks including natural disasters, cyber attacks and geopolitical crises, including the possibility of armed aggression against [caused by] EU countries. The strategy focuses on improving early warning systems, ensuring the continuity of essential services such as healthcare and drinking water and helping citizens prepare for responding to crises. Hadja Lahbib, the European commissioner in charge of preparedness and crisis management, said in a post on X: "Ready for anything - this must be our new European way of life."