EU to build strategic reserves amid rising security threats and infrastructure risks
Photo: The European Union is stockpiling minerals, cables, and fuel (Getty Images)
The EU plans to form strategic reserves of critically important resources–from rare earth metals to repair kits for cables–amid growing geopolitical tension and the risk of infrastructure attacks, according to the Financial Times.
What happened
Brussels is concerned about the EU’s vulnerability to cyberattacks, sabotage of undersea cables, climate-related disasters, and potential military actions by Russia.
In response, the creation of a new stockpiling network is planned, which will include food, medicines, nuclear fuel, permanent magnets, and other key resources.
Several incidents involving undersea cables and gas pipelines in Europe have forced officials to reconsider the level of protection of critical infrastructure.
Bundeswehr General Carsten Breuer warned that Russia could carry out an attack on an EU member state already in the coming years.
Details:
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Stockpiles will be formed taking into account the type of crisis and geography.
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Enterprises may receive tax incentives for participating in the stockpiling.
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The EU plans cooperation with NATO regarding dual-use infrastructure.
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In March, citizens were advised to have supplies for at least 72 hours of survival in a crisis.
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The document is planned to be published next week, and it may still undergo changes.
Also, this month, the European Commission will present budget proposals that will include investments in strategic reserves.
Previously, the European Commission had warned about the need for food and resource reserves for three days in case of a crisis.
According to the draft "Union Preparedness Strategy," which Politico has reviewed, every EU citizen must be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in the event of an emergency.
