Over 450,000 people told to make '72-hour survival kits' for European invasion

The European Union is urging its citizens to prepare 72-hour survival kits in response to increasing geopolitical tensions, climate-related disasters, and cyber threats. The initiative is part of the EU’s new preparedness strategy, which encourages households across Europe to be self-sufficient for at least three days in the event of an emergency.

The call for proactive preparedness comes amid growing concerns about global instability, including military conflicts, extreme weather events, and the rising risk of cyberattacks. EU leaders stress that ensuring basic survival essentials at home could help prevent widespread panic and improve overall crisis management.

“We are saying to member states: 72 hours of self-sufficiency is what we recommend,” said Hadja Lahbib, the EU commissioner for preparedness and crisis management.

What Should Be in a Survival Kit?

To help citizens understand what they might need, Lahbib shared a “What’s in my bag: survival edition” video on social media, demonstrating the key items she carries for emergency situations. She stressed that while individual needs may vary, certain basic essentials should be included in every household’s kit:

Water & non-perishable food (at least three days’ worth per person)
Medication & personal documents (stored in a waterproof pouch)
A torch, matches, or a lighter (for visibility and fire-starting in case of power outages)
A Swiss Army knife (“18 tools in one knife – a must-have”)
Cash (“In a crisis, your credit card might just be a piece of plastic”)
A charger & power bank (to keep communication devices functional)
A small radio & playing cards (for information and distraction during long waiting periods)

While Lahbib’s recommendations serve as a general guideline, she emphasized that each of the 27 EU member states should tailor their survival plans based on their specific risks. Countries more prone to floods, wildfires, or cyber threats may require additional preparation.

A Push for Greater Crisis Preparedness

The EU hopes that encouraging citizens to plan ahead will prevent unnecessary panic and strengthen Europe’s overall resilience against various disasters, from military conflicts to natural catastrophes, pandemics, and cyber threats.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen fully supports the initiative, emphasizing that “new realities require a new level of preparedness.” She explained that proactive measures, such as early warning systems and disaster response strategies, are essential for protecting lives.

In addition to urging households to prepare, the EU is considering publishing a crisis preparedness handbook, offering detailed guidance on how families can safeguard themselves against emergencies.

As Lahbib put it: “Knowing what to do in case of danger is key. Be prepared, be safe.”