European Commission recommends 72-hour emergency kits and wants crisis preparedness in school curricula

The European Commission issued non-binding recommendations on 3 November 2026 urging member states to encourage citizens to maintain 72-hour emergency kits containing food, water, medical supplies, and battery-powered radios for use when emergency services are under pressure during crises. It also recommends integrating climate-risk preparedness into preschool and basic education curricula, making emergency planning more inclusive for people with disabilities, and establishing an annual European Preparedness Day on 23 October starting next year.