Crossword Genius

Fights to include European bits for an emergency (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spares

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'bits for an emergency' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'fights to include european' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'european' could be 'e' (abbreviation e.g. EU) and 'e' is present in the answer.
'fights' could be 'spars' (sparring is a kind of fighting) and 'spars' is located in the remaining letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spares that I've seen before include "Replacement items, like tyres" , "Lets off; reserve parts" , "Extras with spears" , "Extras in case of necessity" , "Is merciful towards, refrains from hurting" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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