Explainer · World & economy

What do governments know? The risk lists behind "keep supplies at home"

9 Nov 2026 · EN

95% of people in the EU say their country faces disaster risks, yet 58% don't feel well prepared (Eurobarometer 2024). Much of what governments plan for is published: Britain's 2026 National Risk Register scores 95 risks and sets out planning worst cases, not forecasts. Part 1 of 2.

Key points

  • Britain's National Risk Register 2026 lists 95 risks scored for likelihood and impact; the government says some scenarios stay classified.
  • In its national-blackout planning case, about 60% of demand is back within 2 days and full, stable power only after 7 days; no home can be prioritised.
  • On 25 Dec 2024 the Estlink 2 power cable and four data cables were damaged; Finland seized the tanker Eagle S. A Helsinki court dismissed the case in Oct 2025; an appeals court sent it back in Aug 2026. No court has found deliberate sabotage.
  • Of 19 governments and the EU we checked, 13 ask households for 3 days of supplies, 5 for a week, Germany 10 days (food and drink) and Austria 14 days (food, for a blackout).
  • Our reading: for some scenarios, the days households are asked to cover roughly match the hardest first phase in these plans.

Sources

Educational · Not financial advice Made with AI tools (AI voices and visuals), checked by a person

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