150 citizens from across the EU hand Brussels 20 ideas for a better-prepared Europe
A panel of 150 randomly selected citizens from all 27 member states gave the European Commission 20 recommendations on crisis preparedness in May 2026: education, alerts tailored to people's needs, countering disinformation, support for older and disabled people, and household brochures on 72-hour self-sufficiency.
What happened
The European Citizens’ Panel on Preparedness brought together 150 people chosen at random from every EU country. After several rounds of deliberation, they handed over 20 recommendations in Brussels, grouped into six themes: risk and crisis communication, information integrity, inclusion, self-sufficiency, engagement and education. The recommendations will feed into the Preparedness Union Strategy the Commission launched in March 2025.
Some of the proposals:
- more preparedness education, including in schools;
- warning systems and crisis messages tailored to individual needs;
- countering disinformation during crises;
- brochures and door-to-door outreach on 72-hour self-sufficiency, so older and disabled people aren’t left behind;
- a common European set of visual and audio symbols for shelters and emergency services.
Why it matters
It’s the first time the Commission has asked ordinary people directly what would help them be ready. Their message is clear: information has to reach everyone, not only those who go looking for it, and the most vulnerable need practical support.
What you can do
You don’t need to wait for a brochure: our 7-step preparedness guide covers what 72-hour self-sufficiency means, and you can make your household plan in ten minutes with the plan generator. If you have older neighbors or relatives, help them make one too.
Helpful guides
- Emergency kit Start here: preparedness in 7 steps You don't need a bunker or a big budget. The seven steps that get any family ready for a few days without power, water or shops.
- Emergency kit Family emergency plan Meeting points, an out-of-town contact, who picks up the kids, what happens to pets. A simple one-page plan any family can make in an evening.
- Emergency kit Checklist Home supplies for 2 weeks What to keep at home to get through two weeks of power cuts, snowstorms, lockdowns or water outages without worry. A complete checklist, by category.