The Brief · March 26, 2025
The European Commission asks every household to be able to cope alone for 72 hours
What happened
The Preparedness Union Strategy, published on 26 March 2025, recommends that households across the 27 member states hold essential supplies for at least 72 hours. The listed items are water, food, a flashlight, identity documents in a waterproof pouch, medicine and a radio.
What it means for your household
It gives every household in Europe a clear number to aim at, and it is a modest one. Seventy two hours is a long weekend, not a siege.
No action needed
Count what is in your cupboard against three days. Most people find they are most of the way there already.