Local sources from Belgium: De Standaard, VRT.
UK coverage: The Guardian.
In a significant move to bolster its crisis response capabilities, the European Commission has proposed a comprehensive strategy to establish stockpiles of essential goods and encourage member states to maintain supplies of critical items such as medicine, generators, water purification products, and drones. This initiative comes in response to the challenges faced during the Covid pandemic and is inspired by the practices of Finland, Estonia, and the Czech Republic. The Commission aims to have specific stockpiling lists and a critical raw materials center operational by 2026, marking a shift in the EU’s approach to prioritizing preparedness in the face of military invasions, pandemics, or natural disasters. Furthermore, the plan includes doubling the budget for a loan scheme supporting innovative medical solutions to €200m by 2027 and developing a wastewater monitoring system for early disease detection. This reflects a growing acknowledgment within the EU of the immediate threats posed by hybrid attacks and extreme weather conditions, requiring a more robust and proactive stance on preparedness. In related news, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faces a vote of confidence amidst criticisms over transparency issues and her handling of vaccine procurement during the coronavirus crisis. Critics, particularly from the far right, have targeted Von der Leyen for her lack of transparency concerning the text messages exchanged with the Pfizer CEO. This controversy arises as European citizens are urged to compile emergency kits with supplies sufficient for at least three days, indicating a move towards a ‘higher state of readiness’ across the continent. This initiative, detailed by VRT, aims to instill a sense of preparedness among the populace, incorporating emergency kits that include water, medication, a mobile phone charger, a flashlight, and important documents. As Europe navigates these turbulent times, the push for increased preparedness and the controversy surrounding Von der Leyen’s leadership underscore the complex challenges facing the EU in ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
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