The Netherlands’ central bank has urged citizens to keep a small amount of cash at home to prepare for potential disruptions in electronic payment systems caused by growing geopolitical tensions and cyber threats.
The Dutch Central Bank (DNB) advised this week that individuals should hold approximately €70 per adult and €30 per child in cash. This amount is intended to cover essential expenses for up to three days, including necessities like food, water, medicine, and transportation.
This recommendation comes in response to increasing concerns over cyberattacks and geopolitical instability that could impact the reliability of payment infrastructure.
Besides keeping physical cash, the DNB also encourages people to carry a debit card and use contactless payment options via smartphones or smartwatches as alternative payment methods.
The advisory follows a major blackout on April 28 that affected Spain and Portugal, during which card payment systems and ATMs stopped working. Many residents had to rely solely on cash to purchase essentials such as food, water, torches, and battery-powered radios to stay informed.
In March, the European Commission released a preparedness plan recommending that people keep supplies—including cash, medication, power banks, and radios—sufficient for at least 72 hours in case of emergencies like natural disasters or conflicts.
