EU Plans Strategic Stockpiles of Critical Supplies Amid Rising Security Threats

The European Union is developing a comprehensive strategy to build emergency stockpiles of critical supplies, including food, medicines, nuclear fuel, rare earth elements, and cable repair kits, to address increasing geopolitical tensions, climate change impacts, and cyber threats. This initiative aims to create a coordinated stockpiling network across member states and includes incentives for private sector involvement, such as tax credits, while emphasizing cooperation with NATO and other allies on shared resource management and dual-use infrastructure. The EU's heavy reliance on imports for critical raw materials, particularly from China, exposes it to supply chain risks that could disrupt its green transition and industrial competitiveness, prompting efforts under the Critical Raw Materials Act to diversify sources and boost domestic production and recycling. Heightened concerns stem from recent sabotage incidents targeting underwater communication cables and gas pipelines, as well as warnings from military officials about potential Russian attacks on EU states. The strategy also calls for tailored stockpiles based on crisis type and geography and stresses that citizens should be prepared for at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency during emergencies. Funding for these measures is expected to be addressed in upcoming EU budget proposals, reflecting a broader push to enhance the bloc's resilience against multifaceted security challenges.