The European Union has been involved in the issue of climate security for a long time, but its approach is not without shortcomings. The sources analyze in detail the activities of the EU in this area and emphasize the complexity of the problem.

EU strengths:

• Leadership in international cooperation: The EU is actively engaged in international discussions on climate security and promotes multilateral solutions. It cooperates with organisations such as NATO, the African Union and the UN, and supports global climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement.
• Policy instruments and concrete measures: The EU has adopted several policy instruments to address climate security, such as the Climate Change and Defence Plan to 2020. Specific measures include:
  • Involving environmental advisors in peacekeeping operations.
  • Providing expert knowledge on the environment and climate to European mediators.
  • Adaptation of training for staff in the EEAS and the military institutions of the Member States.
• Emphasis on reducing emissions: The EU places emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions as a key element of climate security. The EU Green Deal is an example of an ambitious policy aimed at decarbonisation.

Persistent shortcomings:

• A narrow view of security: The EU primarily focuses on international peace and security of states, neglecting other aspects of climate security, such as:
  • Human safety: The safety of individuals and communities threatened by climate change.
  • Environmental safety: Protecting ecosystems and biodiversity from the impacts of climate change.
• Political obstacles and resistance: The implementation of ambitious climate policies is facing resistance from some political actors and interest groups. Examples include the declining level of ambition in the agricultural sector and the reluctance to address the climate aspects of migration.
• Contradiction between safety and environmental protection: The involvement of military institutions in climate action is problematic because military activities have a negative impact on the environment. A technological approach to mitigating the military's environmental impacts is not enough to resolve the underlying conflict.

Uncertain future:

Sources suggest that the future of EU climate security is uncertain. Political changes in Europe and the world, as well as current military conflicts, may lead to a reduction in the priority of climate security. There is a risk that security issues will become decoupled from climate change, preventing effective addressing of climate-related security threats.

Conclusion:

The EU has an important role to play in combating climate change and its security implications. However, its climate security activities have significant shortcomings. To overcome these challenges, it is necessary to:

• Expand the concept of climate security beyond the traditional focus on international peace and include human and ecological security.
• Overcoming political obstacles and ensure that climate action is a priority also in the context of other crises and challenges.
• Find ways to reconcile safety and environmental goals, so that military activities do not undermine efforts to protect the climate.

Only a comprehensive and ambitious approach will enable the EU to effectively address the threats that climate change poses to security and stability. (Co2AI)