For the first time in the past of European integration, the European Commission addresses each of the 450 million EU citizens. Announced on 26 March 2025, the Union of Preparedness strategy is simply a breakthrough that ends with a model in which the state assumes full work for the safety of its citizens. Brussels calls for personal preparation for hard timesand the key component of this fresh doctrine is to have supplies for at least 72 hours. This urgent call has applicable consequences for all household in Poland and Europe, changing our approach to security.
Why does the Union change the rules of the game? No more carelessness.
The fresh doctrine is simply a direct consequence to the real and increasing threats that exposed the weaknesses of the existing systems. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how fragile supply chains are and how rapidly states can be paralyzed. fresh years are besides dramatic flood waves, destructive forest fires, brutal war in Ukraine, and increasingly frequent and sophisticated cyber attacks. These events clearly show that Europe has been facing the top crisis challenge in decades and that the threats do not know borders. European Commission concluded that safety work must be shared. The state can no longer be the sole guarantor; each of us has a specific, key function to play in building resilience for the full society. This is not panic-sowing, it's a pragmatic call to action.
What does “ready” in Practice mean? List of essential stocks
Brussels, based on expert analyses, recommends that each household should supply for 72 hours. Why 3 days? This is the time that emergency services say is essential to implement post-disaster actions. During this period, residents should be completely self-sufficient without charging emergency services. The EC recommendations contain circumstantial guidelines that are worth writing: food with long shelf life, minimum 3 liters of water per individual per day, basic medicines and first aid kits, battery radio (to receive emergency messages) and independent light sources specified as flashlights or candles. Unfortunately, Eurobarometer surveys are alarming: every another EU citizen After only 3 days without food supply or water would be completely helpless. The problem is peculiarly visible in cities where people seldom hold stock, relying on just-in-time deliveries. Just a fast break in logistics to make store shelves shine empty.
Education and Infrastructure: 2 Pillars of the fresh Strategy
The Union of Preparedness strategy goes beyond individual stocks. The European Commission seeks to introduce discipline on emergency consequence to schools. The goal is to build a generation of prepared, calm and independent people who, in the face of danger, will not hinder but support rescue actions. Students would learn how to respond to alarms, how to aid neighbors and what to avoid in the first hours after the crisis. In parallel, the Union assumes huge investments in dual-use infrastructure. This means that roads are to be utilized not only to transport goods but besides to evacuate the population. Communication networks are to be equipped with emergency systems, resistant to attacks, and key facilities specified as power plants, sewage treatment plants, hospitals and telecommunications networks will be strengthened. The EU is besides planning to make a Europe-wide fast consequence mechanics that will supply immediate, coordinated support if the border is crossed by threat (e.g. sabotage, blackout).
Europe Model: How another Countries Already Working?
Some associate States are already setting an example by implementing the Brussels recommendations. Germany, led by Home Minister Nancy Faeser, implements a fresh "Ram Directive for full Defence", which details the reactions of citizens, companies and institutions in the event of war. Faeser stresses that the Russian threat is real, and preparation is not panic, but duty. Similarly, Finland, where people aged 18–68 years have formal emergency preparedness obligations, including training and exercises. Sweden went 1 step further, sending the guide “If there is simply a crisis or war” to all homes. The Netherlands is working intensively on a law strengthening the defence manufacture to guarantee its independence. Moreover, the Belgians, Estonians, Finns, Latvians, Lithuanians, Luxemburgers, Dutch and Swedes — together 8 countries – created a “ready coalition”. Their aim is to coordinate actions across borders, due to the fact that threats do not know political divisions.
Mental opposition and Combating Disinformation
The fresh Union of Preparedness strategy besides changes the way the Union communicates with citizens. No more temper tones. In return, honesty and transparency. The lesson of the pandemic is clear: it is better to inform than to surprise. The strategy besides highlights the key function mental immunity. Modern attacks seldom start with bombs; much more frequently start with fake news. Disinformation can paralyze society before the first shot is fired, spreading panic, chaos and divisions. Therefore, opposition to information manipulation becomes as crucial as supplies of water or food. The ability to critically measure sources and verify information is present a basic endurance skill.
What does that mean to you? Get ready alternatively of waiting
The aim of the European Commission is not to sow fear. The message is clear: “If anything happens, be ready.” 3 days of backup is an absolute minimum that can save your life, your family, and even your neighbor. If everyone does their part, chaos will decrease and the peace and efficiency of the services will increase. alternatively of passively waiting for help, get ready. Be aware that it's not just about you. 1 man's willingness increases everyone's safety. In the coming months we will see how individual countries, including Poland, will translate the EU strategy into concrete actions. For now, 1 thing is known: the crisis, which he would not be, is not a question of whether but when. And we'll either be ready together or amazed separately.
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The EU calls on all citizen. Prepare the home for the crisis – you have 72 hours!
