B2 – Upper Intermediate
The European Commission has introduced a “resilience kit” to help citizens prepare for emergencies such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or conflicts by being self-sufficient for 72 hours. The kit includes essentials like food, water, medicine, and important documents. While some see this as a sensible move toward preparedness, far-right critics have labeled it as fearmongering and “war hysteria.” However, many European countries—especially those near Russia—have already adopted similar initiatives, reflecting a growing emphasis on civil protection. Supporters argue that being prepared does not create panic but instead empowers people to respond confidently to crises.
Read the article to learn why the EU’s survival kits are stirring debate and be prepared to answer the questions below.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “fear mongering” mean? “Are the EU Commission’s survival kits fearmongering or necessary preparedness?” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
- What does “to keep something at hand” mean? “The Minister of the Interior and the emergency services advised on how to prepare an emergency bag and keep it at hand.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
- What does “worst-case scenario” mean? “In Spain, First Vice-President and Minister of Finance María Jesús Montero said that she works for peace while saying it is “logical” to prepare for the worst-case scenario.” Use this term in a sentence and give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What are your thoughts on this emergency-preparedness kit?
- Have you ever experienced a situation where you wished you had been more prepared? Share this story.
- What would you include in your own resilience kit, and why?
- Does this news promote practical preparedness, or does it lean more toward fear mongering? Explain your answer.
- How did the recent power outage in Spain and Portugal highlight the need for better emergency preparedness among households?
- How can schools or local communities contribute to building a culture of preparedness without causing unnecessary alarm?