European External Action Service (EEAS)

Enhancing climate security and defence

The EU approach to climate and security

Through  its Joint Communication on the climate and security nexus adopted in 2023, the EU invests in tackling the effects of climate change and environmental degradation that accentuate threats to peace, stability and security and risk undermining European defence. In its Conclusions on Green Diplomacy and also in the Conclusions on Security and Defence in 2024, the European Council welcomed the Communication and called for its swift implementation.The EU approach to climate and security focuses on:

• Developing enhanced evidence-based analysis and foresight, which allows the EU to deliver, among other things, more effective early warning systems as well as a great understanding of the indirect effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
• Analysing the impact of a changing climate on EU external action policies and activities, member States will be better able to adapt to existing and potential threats including greater displacement, migratory movements, pandemics, social unrest, instability and even conflicts.
• Adapting Member States’ civilian and military capabilities and infrastructure for increasingly challenging climate conditions, thus improving the sustainability and efficiency of operations.

In addition to existing climate risk assessments, a 2025 Progress Report provides a comprehensive overview of EU action in this area.

Website: Enhancing climate security and defence: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/enhancing-climate-security-and-defence_en#102507