72-hour emergency kit, supplies of food, water and cash: the EU recommendations

The European document arrives at Palazzo Chigi

The handbook, signed by the European Commissioner for Crisis Preparedness and Management, Hadja Lahbib, takes up the indications contained in the European Union Strategy for Preparedness, presented by the Commission in March 2025. The novelty therefore concerns the passage of the document to the Italian institutions, not the introduction of new measures by Brussels. The objective is to strengthen the population's ability to independently deal with the first 72 hours of an emergency, while waiting for the intervention of the emergency services.

Water, food and cash: what the emergency kit includes

European recommendations include preparing a home kit with drinking water, shelf-stable foods, medicines and batteries. The material should also include flashlights and portable chargers for mobile phones, useful in case of power outages. Brussels also suggests keeping cash available, including small notes and coins, to be able to make essential purchases if electronic payment systems are unavailable. The indications invite you to also consider the needs of pets.

Because the EU asks to prepare for a 72 hour emergency

The European strategy aims to improve the response to crises of various kinds, from floods and extreme weather events to health emergencies, conflicts and cyber attacks. The first 72 hours are considered particularly important because, in the event of major disruptions, essential services and relief may not be immediately available. The plan presented in 2025 includes 30 actions to strengthen the preparedness of citizens, institutions and businesses, as well as coordination between civil and military authorities.

Cyber attacks and hybrid threats, the European context

The document returns to the center of attention as European institutions address the issue of so-called hybrid threats, which can include cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation campaigns. In recent days, the Italian government has also examined the cyber attacks that affected some commercial refrigeration systems in Europe. At the end of a meeting at Palazzo Chigi on 3 November, the Prime Minister specified that the impact in Italy was limited and that there was no alarm situation, while maintaining high attention.

The recommendations are not mandatory

The Brussels guidelines do not require citizens to purchase a survival kit nor do they introduce new obligations for families. These are recommendations addressed to Member States to promote greater emergency preparedness. The European guidelines aim to promote national initiatives adapted to the characteristics and risks of different territories, through information, prevention and planning.