The European Union’s Preparedness Union Strategy, launched on March 26, urges citizens to be prepared for emergencies or even war, prompting Greeks to purchase specialized survival kits and backpacks.
The Preparedness Union Strategy aims to enhance the resilience of its member states and its citizens against various crises, including natural disasters, cyberattacks, and geopolitical tensions. A key recommendation of this strategy is for households to maintain an emergency supply kit sufficient for at least 72 hours.
In accordance with EU recommendations, a basic 72-hour survival kit should include food for at least three days (such as canned goods, bars, or ready meals) and six liters of water per person. Additionally, it should contain a flashlight with spare batteries, basic medicines, waterproof matches, a multipurpose pocket knife, cash, and a waterproof pouch for important documents.
According to market sources in Greece, orders for survival kits have surged by at least 55% in recent days compared to the same period last year. There is interest in survival tents, sleeping bags, fire-starting tools, and other survival gear.
According to a shop owner, most people are looking for food with a longlasting shelf life and water. Prices for a meal bucket can range from €9–10 and can reach up to €400 for a 25-serving family-sized bucket, for example.
Besides food, securing clean water is essential, and stores are offering water purification tablets and portable filters, which cost around €50 depending on the product.
Military surplus stores in Athens and Monastiraki are also seeing increased demand for pre-packaged survival backpacks which include flashlights, matches, lighters, wire, pocket knives, and compartments for documents and cards.
