The occurrence of World War III inevitable?
By: Isuru Parakrama
March 29, World (LNW): In rather a controversial move reflecting growing concerns over Europe’s security landscape, the European Union has recommended that its 450 million citizens stockpile essential supplies sufficient for at least 72 hours.
This guidance aims to enhance individual preparedness in the face of potential crises, including natural disasters, cyberattacks, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions.
The EU’s Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, emphasised the interconnected nature of contemporary threats, stating, “Today’s threats facing Europe are more complex than ever, and they are all interconnected.”
She underscored the importance of proactive readiness, advising citizens to assemble emergency kits containing food, water, flashlights, identification documents, medications, and shortwave radios.
This initiative aligns with similar measures adopted by several European nations. Sweden, for instance, updated its Cold War-era civil emergency advice to better reflect current security realities, including guidance on actions during nuclear incidents.
Finland has also launched a state-run online resource detailing how individuals should prepare for various emergencies.
In the Baltic states, Lithuania reported that 115,000 people enrolled in civil resilience courses in the first two months of 2025 alone, a significant increase from previous years.
The EU’s recommendation has sparked widespread speculation about the underlying reasons for such guidance. Some citizens interpret it as a precautionary measure against potential military conflicts, particularly given NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s warning that Russia could be capable of launching another attack in Europe by 2030.
Others view it as a response to the increasing frequency of natural disasters, such as the recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025, resulting in significant casualties and infrastructure damage.
Despite the varied interpretations, EU officials maintain that the guidance is a proactive step to ensure public safety and resilience.
The strategy includes plans for a “national preparedness day” and the integration of preparedness education into school curricula, aiming to foster a culture of readiness across member states.
Experts in emergency management support the EU’s advice, highlighting the importance of individual preparedness in mitigating the impact of unforeseen events.
They recommend that households maintain supplies such as bottled water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food items, radios, hygiene products, first aid kits, and essential documents.
Some suggest extending the supply duration to two weeks, acknowledging economic challenges for many families.
Whilst the EU’s call for preparedness has been met with a mix of support and scepticism, it underscores a broader trend towards enhancing civil resilience in an era marked by uncertainty. With Europe navigating complex challenges, the emphasis on individual and collective readiness serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding communities against a spectrum of potential crises.
References:
https://apnews.com/article/49e280ff524ebe1fb44ee0856b035f32
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eu-tells-families-prepare-survival-kit-3-days-worth-food-water-amid-global-tensions-1732219
https://www.europeancorrespondent.com/r/northern-citizens-gear-up-for-resilience
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/strong-earthquake-central-myanmar-panic-bangkok-2025-03-28/
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/eu-urges-every-household-to-stock-three-day-crisis-survival-kit-2r5vjx9pp
https://www.businessinsider.com/europe-warning-stockpile-emergency-supplies-experts-say-pack-preparation-2025-3
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/26/stockpile-supplies-72-hours-disasters-attack-eu-tells-citizens
https://www.the-independent.com/news/european-union-europe-brussels-sweden-mark-rutte-b2721928.html
https://www.the-independent.com/asia/southeast-asia/myanmar-bangkok-thailand-earthquake-today-live-updates-b2723163.html
