EU prepares strategic stockpiles in case of attacks and crises

The European Union is planning to create strategic reserves of critical resources, including rare earth metals, medicines and components for repairing submarine cables. This decision is taken against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tension and the threat of attacks on key infrastructure. This is reported by the Financial Times.

The newspaper points out that these measures are set out in a draft document of the European Commission, which was familiarised with the journalists of the publication.

Reasons for the formation of reserves

Brussels is concerned about the vulnerability of the EU to cyberattacks, sabotage, damage to undersea cables, climate disasters and possible military threats, including from Russia. The response to these risks will be to build "stockpiles" including food, medicine, nuclear fuel, magnets and other critical resources.

Repeated incidents of damage to undersea cables and gas pipelines in Europe have forced European officials to reassess the level of protection for critical infrastructure. Bundeswehr General Carsten Breuer warned that Russia could attack an EU member state in the coming years," the newspaper said.

Key details of the initiative

• Stockpiles will be formed depending on the type of possible crisis and geographical location.

• European companies will receive tax incentives for participating in the accumulation of these strategic reserves.

• The EU plans active co-operation with NATO to use common infrastructure.

• European citizens are advised to have a 72-hour stockpile to survive in the event of a crisis.

Next steps

The document that will define the strategy for building these stockpiles will be published next week. It is still subject to change. The European Commission will also present budget proposals this month that will include investments in strategic reserves.

The European Commission has previously warned citizens to have three days' worth of food and resources stockpiled in case of an emergency.