EU issues guidelines urging citizens to pack emergency bags, prepare for 72 hours of self-sufficiency
On November 3, 2026, the European Commission officially released new guidelines directing European citizens to prepare to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours of an emergency.
Presented by European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib at the European Civil Protection Forum in Brussels, the guidelines aim to ensure public preparedness in the face of complex security threats. The guidelines are meant to prepare citizens for a range of threats, from extreme weather and cyberattacks to sabotage of critical infrastructure and geopolitical conflicts.
Preparedness Guidelines
The guidelines mark a broader shift from governments being solely responsible for dealing with crises towards a shared effort involving households, communities, and public authorities. Households are encouraged to stockpile basic emergency supplies. These preparations include having a ready-to-go “grab bag” that will help individuals meet their basic needs for three days while emergency services mobilize, address urgent risks, and assist those most in need. It is recommended that citizens store non-perishable food, medicine, hygiene items, emergency cash, and roughly six liters of drinking water per person.
In addition, the guidelines highlight the importance of teaching children how to prepare for emergencies. The Commission is directing member states to integrate emergency and crisis preparedness into early childhood and primary school curricula. These age-appropriate activities are designed to build practical awareness and life skills without causing unnecessary fear or anxiety.
Moreover, the guidelines stress that individuals with disabilities must be actively involved in local and national emergency preparedness planning. Their well-being in emergencies must not be treated as an afterthought. Finally, authorities are advised to strengthen their communication systems to ensure citizens have clear and accessible information “before, during, and after a crisis.
