On September 28, 2022, the tragic death of 36-year-old Yannick Verdyck, who was shot by police during a raid at his home, has sparked a renewed conversation about societal preparedness for emergencies. Verdyck was suspected of leading a far-right terror group with plans for violence, and his accomplices were later convicted of forming a terrorist organization. Yet, the questions surrounding Verdyck's case linger, particularly as it relates to the concept of ‘preppers’—individuals who prepare for apocalyptic scenarios and self-sufficiency in crises.
Recently, Euro Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, responsible for Preparedness and Crisis Management, made headlines by stating, "Europe must become a society of preppers." This declaration comes at a time when the European Union (EU) is looking to bolster its collective resilience against various threats, including geopolitical tensions and climate change. Lahbib's remarks, while intended to promote a culture of readiness, have drawn mixed reactions, especially given the historical stigma associated with preppers.
In a demonstration aimed at illustrating preparedness, Lahbib showcased a sample emergency kit that included a Swiss army knife, canned goods, bottled water, cash, a card game, and a transistor radio. She also proposed that children in schools receive lessons on 'preparedness' and announced the introduction of a European Day of Preparedness. This initiative aligns with a broader strategy outlined by former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö in his report titled 'Safer Europe: strengthening Europe’s civil and military preparedness and readiness'. Niinistö emphasized the need for households across the EU to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours during emergencies.
While the idea of emergency kits may seem practical, the context in which it is being proposed raises concerns. In Scandinavian countries like Finland and Sweden, preparedness is a part of everyday life due to the persistent threat from Russia. However, the same level of urgency may not be applicable in other European nations, such as Belgium or the Netherlands, where the perceived threats differ significantly.
The EU's preparedness strategy also anticipates large-scale cyberattacks or climate disasters that could disrupt electronic networks and paralyze society. Critics argue that such scenarios may be far-fetched for many Europeans and question whether the push for emergency preparedness is genuinely necessary or simply a reflection of growing anxiety.
From a socio-psychological perspective, fostering a sense of agency in citizens facing abstract threats can be beneficial. It encourages individuals to take responsibility for their safety and that of their communities. However, the EU's ability to instill a sense of patriotic duty in citizens remains limited, as the political authority of the EU is often perceived as weak.
Despite the serious undertones of Lahbib's message, the manner in which she presented it—a light-hearted demonstration of emergency supplies—has been criticized as trivializing the gravity of the situation. The juxtaposition of a cheerful presentation against the backdrop of real threats creates an ambiguous signal. It raises the question: should citizens take this call to preparedness seriously, or is it merely a precautionary measure without real substance?
The public's skepticism is further fueled by the current geopolitical climate, where discussions of military preparedness and defense strategies are prevalent. For instance, military instructor 'Fly' has suggested that shooting exercises in schools could be beneficial, a statement that reflects a concerning shift towards normalizing militarization in education.
As citizens grapple with the implications of such policies, they may feel conflicted between the reassuring rhetoric of political leaders and the reality of escalating military preparations. This dissonance could lead to distrust in government communications regarding defense and preparedness.
The EU's transition towards a more autonomous defense and foreign policy is evident, and while the emergency kits proposed by Lahbib may seem like a minor detail in this larger narrative, they represent a significant cultural shift. The Belgian government, too, is making investments in air defense, ammunition, and cybersecurity, indicating a broader commitment to national and regional security.
Ultimately, the resurgence of the prepper concept in European discourse highlights a collective anxiety about the future. As citizens reflect on their preparedness—or lack thereof—they are faced with a stark reality: the world is changing, and so must their approach to safety and self-sufficiency.
In a personal reflection, one writer admitted to being unprepared for emergencies, lacking essential items like a wind-up radio, water, and a flashlight. Despite the government's advice for citizens to be able to survive independently for at least three days during a disaster, many still find it hard to imagine a scenario where such measures are necessary.
This sentiment echoes a broader cultural tendency to underestimate the likelihood of disasters, as seen in the rapid forgetfulness surrounding past crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Culture historian Lotte Jensen pointed out that society often fails to learn from previous events, leaving individuals ill-prepared for future challenges.
As the conversation around preparedness continues to evolve, it is clear that the notion of being a 'prepper' has shifted from being viewed as eccentric to a more accepted part of responsible citizenship. The growing prevalence of terms like 'disaster backpack' and 'prepping' in everyday discussions signals a change in mindset regarding personal and communal safety.
In this new reality, it is essential for individuals to take proactive steps towards preparedness, even if it means adopting practices that were once considered extreme. Whether through assembling an emergency kit or engaging in community preparedness initiatives, the call to action is clear: in an unpredictable world, being ready may be the best defense against uncertainty.
