Emerging Threats and Crises in Europe [Bonus post]
Are we safe here?
Dear Readers,
Occasionally, when I have the time, or when a topic is time sensitive, I publish a bonus post that is not within my normal twice a month newsletter publishing schedule. This is one such topic that I thought was worth sharing, especially if you’re already living in Portugal (or somewhere in Europe), or if you’re contemplating a future move to Portugal or Europe.
The Preparedness Union Strategy.
On March 26, 2025, the European Commission and the High Representative launched the Preparedness Union Strategy, aimed at bolstering Member States’ ability to anticipate, prevent, and respond to emerging threats.
For those who are unfamiliar with the European Commission and the High Representative, briefly, the European Commission serves as the EU's primary executive body, responsible for proposing legislation, overseeing policy implementation, and ensuring compliance with EU law. The High Representative acts as the EU's chief coordinator and spokesperson for foreign and security policy, while also holding the role of Vice-President within the European Commission. For more detailed information, learn more here.
Why is a strategy needed?
As the European Union faces increasingly complex crises—from geopolitical tensions and conflicts to cyber threats, foreign interference, climate change, and natural disasters—enhancing preparedness is more crucial than ever. The strategy seeks to safeguard citizens and protect essential societal functions vital for democracy and daily life.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Union emphasized the urgency of this initiative. "New realities demand a new level of preparedness in Europe. Our citizens, Member States, and businesses need the right tools to both prevent crises and respond swiftly when disaster strikes. Families in flood-prone areas should know what to do when water rises. Early warning systems can ensure wildfire-stricken regions do not lose precious time. Europe stands ready to support Member States and trusted partners in protecting lives and livelihoods."
The Key Objectives and Actions of the Strategy.
The initiative outlines 30 key actions and a comprehensive Action Plan, fostering a “preparedness by design” culture across all EU policies:
1. Protecting Essential Societal Functions
Establish minimum preparedness standards for critical services, including hospitals, schools, transport, and telecommunications.
Expand stockpiles of essential equipment and materials.
Strengthen climate adaptation efforts and secure access to critical natural resources, such as water.
2. Promoting Public Preparedness
Encourage citizens to adopt practical emergency measures, such as maintaining a 72-hour supply of essentials.
Incorporate preparedness education into school curricula and introduce an annual EU Preparedness Day.
3. Enhancing Crisis Response Coordination
Establish an EU Crisis Hub to improve coordination among existing EU crisis management structures.
4. Strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation
Conduct regular EU-wide preparedness exercises, bringing together armed forces, civil protection teams, police, security agencies, healthcare workers, and firefighters.
Promote investments in dual-use infrastructure that benefits both civilian and military needs.
With this strategy, the EU intends to build a more resilient, proactive, and coordinated approach to crisis management, ensuring Europe is ready to protect its people and essential functions in an increasingly uncertain world.
So, what does this mean?
As Paul and I were reading the strategy posted on Safe Communities Portugal, (an organization that I recommend anyone living in or contemplating a move to Portugal be aware of), he remarked, “So this is what it’s come to.” Sadly, I agree.
From a global perspective, we’re all living in uncertain times. With the added threat of abandonment of support (on many levels) from the United States to long-standing European allies, I applaud the European Union for being proactive – not just for natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and fires, but also from a cyber and military defense standpoint.
It’s not that these threats are new, but the stakes are much higher now and it’s time for Europe to step up by becoming more vigilant, prepared, and aware. It’s also now up to the European population to pay attention and take heed.
Are we safe here?
Yes. I believe we are safe here. At least safer than in other parts of the world. Having said that, I also don’t want to be the writer who publishes a newsletter that makes living in Portugal or Europe seem like sunshine and lollipops all the time. Because it’s not. That’s the reason for today’s post.
Life happens here.
There are real threats no matter where you live in the world. While we don’t live in an area where flooding or wildfires are a big concern, we do live along the coast which is susceptible to earthquakes. And truth be told, from our kitchen balcony, we’ve been noticing an increase in the number of Portuguese Navy ships patrolling the waters.
Portugal is like any other country – you must take the good with the bad and decide for yourself how much risk you want to tolerate. Life happens here. Right now, we think the risk here is low, but that’s just our opinion. Your mileage may vary.
In any event, Paul and I are creating an emergency plan. We would be doing this now during these uncertain times, even if we weren’t living in Portugal. This includes making sure we have copies of important documents, lists of medications, emergency contact information, etc. in a waterproof pouch. Also, a little bit of cash in case internet banking goes offline (even in more peaceful times, this can happen). We have a compass. We have a surplus of batteries. We have flashlights. We have bottled water. We have some canned goods. We have a first aid kit. We have an abundance of toilet paper (a throwback from an unpleasant experience during Covid). We have an emergency “go bag” just in case.
Although prepared especially for earthquake safety, Safe Communities Portugal has a comprehensive list of what an emergency “go bag” should contain on page 5 of the PDF in case you’re interested.
Take time to enjoy life.
It’s important to occasionally disengage from the craziness of the world. Take time to enjoy life! For me and Paul, it means being prepared, being aware, but not dwelling on threats, much of which is out of our control anyway. It means enjoying the many blessings we have – relatively good health for our ages, good friends and family, nice places to hang out and have a glass of wine, beautiful Portugal places to visit, the enjoyment of being together and sharing a laugh. You know, simple stuff in a not-so-simple world. Sometimes that’s all you really need.
Thanks for being on this journey with me!
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Until next time…
Obrigada!
Carol.
Carol, This was an smart thing to write, and something everyone needs to think about. So many natural (and other) disasters. A TO GO bags with the items you mentioned is necessary in all parts of the world. Thanks for writing. Tricia
Indeed it is a concerning time in human history for so many. Your post is most informative and appropriate considering many of us find ourselves in a place very different from what we are used to or from what we anticipated. Each day we wonder what tomorrow will bring and we worry for friends and neighbors - and sometimes for ourselves. It is, I think, during these challenging times, important to remember to be kind to others, to join with those who share similar concerns, to offer support for causes we believe in and to treasure those times and people we hold dear. Thank you for your thoughts on these issues. It gives me hope that Europe is moving in a direction that demonstrates concern for its citizens. I wish It was like that everywhere. Be well.
Barb