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EU unveils stockpiling plan to prepare for crises and conflict

13:30

By: Dakir Madiha

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The European Union has introduced its first comprehensive stockpiling strategy to ensure the availability of essential goods such as food, water, fuel, and medicines during emergencies. Announced on Wednesday, the initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance readiness in light of escalating security concerns, including the risk of conflict with Russia.

The 27-nation bloc's new strategy comes as NATO raises alarms about Russia's potential capability to attack the alliance within the next five years, alongside its ongoing war in Ukraine. EU officials aim to strengthen crisis preparedness and bolster collective defense capabilities by 2030.

A proactive approach to resilience

Hadja Lahbib, the EU crisis management commissioner, emphasized the urgency of the plan. "The goal is very simple: to make sure that essential supplies that keep our societies running, especially the ones that save lives, are always available. The more we prepare, the less we panic," she said.

The stockpiling initiative seeks to address a range of potential crises, including energy blackouts, natural disasters, pandemics, and armed conflicts. By creating a coordinated network across member states, the EU plans to identify supply gaps and develop EU-level reserves to ensure continuity during emergencies.

Varying levels of preparedness

Crisis readiness varies significantly across EU countries. Finland, sharing a long border with Russia, has maintained a robust system to prepare its society for potential conflicts. In contrast, countries like Spain focus more on natural disaster risks, such as wildfires.

"There is no one-size-fits-all approach," Lahbib noted. "But whether the crisis is due to war or a natural disaster, the impact on citizens, like energy blackouts, can be similar."

This new strategy builds on previous recommendations, such as the EU's March advisory for households to stockpile three days' worth of supplies in case of emergencies. Lahbib reiterated the importance of ensuring essential items are available across all EU nations, regardless of the crisis type.

Building resilience across borders

The EU's initiative highlights the importance of collective action in addressing shared vulnerabilities. By enhancing coordination and preparedness, the bloc aims to protect its citizens from disruptions to critical supply chains and fortify its resilience against future crises.