European countries are currently facing a threat that is becoming more and more real. The risk of war on EU territory, which until recently seemed unthinkable, is now taking on tangible outlines. Against this background, Europeans are being urged to prepare for possible crisis situations. Sauli Niinistö, a counselor to the President of the European Commission and former President of Finland, called on Europeans to ensure basic resources in case of emergencies.
What are Europeans advised to stock up on?
In case of an emergency, Niinistö advises the population of Europe to stock up on long-lasting food, drinking water, medications, and other items that may be critically necessary. The list includes:
- Food with long shelf life: canned goods, grains, dried soups;
- Water: a minimum of 2 liters per person per day;
- Medications: both individual medical supplies and a basic first aid kit;
- Flashlights and batteries: sources of light and energy in case of power outages;
- Portable battery-operated radios: for receiving information in case of communication breakdown.
European governments also recommend that citizens have a minimal supply that will allow them to survive autonomously for at least 72 hours. This is the so-called self-sufficiency standard for disaster preparedness that has long been in place in many developed countries.
Why the warning is being issued right now
European analysts emphasize that the warning about stockpiling arises against the backdrop of instability and increased threats from Russia. According to Niinistö, Russian aggression against European countries has ceased to be a hypothetical scenario, as threats towards Poland, Finland, and Baltic countries are heard almost daily. Previously, such recommendations were rare, but now EU countries realize the need to always be prepared for war.
Security Priorities for Europe
In Niinistö’s opinion, Europe should not only prepare its population but also work at the state level to expand security resources. Among the proposed measures:
- Increasing budgets for security and crisis measures;
- Enhancing the exchange of intelligence information among EU countries;
- Developing instructions for emergency situations.
These measures aim to strengthen the unity of EU countries in times of instability and the need to proactively protect their interests and security.
Preparing for Crisis
Sauli Niinistö’s warning is a call for Europeans to take security matters seriously. Measures for self-sufficiency and readiness for war, which a few years ago seemed excessive, are now becoming the norm. Europe is preparing for an uncertain future and urges citizens to prepare for any possible scenarios.
