Until recently, it seemed that the era of cash was coming to an end, giving way to convenient digital payments. However, a brutal lesson from Spain, where Power failure paralyzed the full country On 28 April, she revealed a amazing truth: in the face of the crisis, paper banknotes become the only warrant of survival. Millions lost their ability to buy food and the economical losses reached hundreds of millions of euros. This event made cash returns to favors with the authoritative blessing of European authorities, including the European Commission and the Government safety Centre in Poland. Are you ready for a planet where digital systems can abruptly fail?
Spanish Blackout: erstwhile the Digital planet expired in 5 Seconds
On April 28, Spain experienced unprecedented paralysis. In just five seconds off the grid 15 gigawatts of energy have disappearedWhat was 60 percent of national demand. Reuters indicates that the origin was a deficiency of physical power in the network based on renewable sources. The accident began in Granada, stopped the metro in Madrid and Barcelona, evacuated 35 000 train passengers.
The real drama happened erstwhile the payment terminals stopped working. CaixaBank investigation reports that that day card payment decreased by 55 percent. Stores specified as Carrefour and Dia could accept only cash payments or close out facilities. Clients, accustomed to paying by phone, were helpless. The ATMs didn't work. El Economist estimates that the failure of the Spanish economy was EUR 400 million in just 1 day.
Europe Changes Course: authoritative Recommendations to Citizens
The Spanish crisis was not a surprise to all. Just a period earlier, March 26, 2025, the European Commission has announced a ‘Strategy of the Union of Preparedness’, calling on citizens to guarantee self-sufficiency to a minimum 72 hours in the face of possible infrastructure crises. Cash has taken a central place in these recommendations, as confirmed in Spain – a full digital payment strategy can fail, paralyzing everyday life.
Change of head is visible throughout Europe. Swedish Riksbank, a decade ago advocated cash liquidation, in November 2024 He sent out brochures with a advice to "hold cash with him for at least a week". The Dutch went even further. According to De Nederlandsche Bank, in May 2024 recommended retention at home 70 euro per adult and 30 euro per child, calculated by the National household Finance Information Institute as minimum needs for 72-hour blackout. These numbers are concrete proof that cash becomes a key component of financial security.
Poland on the Chele Ready: Backpack Full of Security
Poland stands out from Europe with an extended crisis education system. The Government safety Centre (RCB) has long recommended holding supplies for at least 3-7 days. The RCB recommends a number of items to guarantee safety in the event of an emergency. On the list, alongside drinking water, flashlights, battery radios and basic drugs, cash takes key place.
Following the Spanish crisis, the RCB reiterated these recommendations, stressing that even a temporary breakdown could paralyze the full city and prevent access to basic services. This is not only a explanation – these are applicable tips that all Pole should take to heart. Having cash at home, in an easy accessible place, can be crucial erstwhile ATMs and payment terminals halt operating.
Cash is fresh Trend? Increase of Digital Threats
Data from Spanish banks show that the next day after the power is restored The number of withdrawals from ATMs increased rapidly. The Spaniards started carrying cash. It's the beginning. permanent change in habits, driven by increasing awareness of threats. The European Central Bank has already informed about the increase in risk. W March 2024 TARGET2 failure by Seven hours she's been blocking withdrawals. in respective EU countries. specified incidents are not uncommon – in 2024 the energy sector in Europe noted 80 percent increase in ransomware attacks, and in the Baltic Sea region, cables have been damaged. The Spanish malfunction became an emergency signal. Cash, flashlight, water and radio – these are not props of Preppers today, but elements of common sense in an unpredictable world.
The digital planet gives comfort, but as the Spanish example shows, it takes 5 seconds for the light to go out and with it all digital conveniences. Then what matters is what you contact and hide in your wallet.
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Spain without power paralyzed. EU and Poland: Keep your cash at home!
