Analysis published by Bruegel, April 2025.
As Europe significantly increases its defence expenditure amid rising security challenges, concerns have emerged over a potential trade-off with climate spending. However, both agendas share key areas of convergence that can foster mutual reinforcement rather than conflict. A coordinated strategy can help the EU address energy resilience, industrial competitiveness, and sustainability together. The paper highlights seven critical points of synergy between the defence and climate agendas that should shape a coherent policy framework.
1. Clean Electrification for Resilience and Security:
Reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels through clean electrification enhances Europe’s energy resilience and addresses core security vulnerabilities. Distributed renewable energy systems such as microgrids and smart grids can protect critical infrastructure from attacks and climate impacts. Furthermore, renewable electricity supports defence operations by powering modern, electricity-dependent systems like drones and surveillance tools, reducing reliance on vulnerable fuel supply lines.
2. Scaling Up Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels:
Aviation, maritime, and heavy-duty transport sectors which are vital to defence, require secure and sustainable fuel sources. Europe holds a competitive edge in innovation for renewable fuels but must expand production capacity. These fuels also ensure long-term operational security for military forces increasingly reliant on the civilian fuel market. For instance, modern jets like the F-35 consume significantly more fuel than older models, underscoring the urgency for cleaner, scalable alternatives.
3. Greening Defence Procurement:
Sustainable procurement can serve both security and climate goals. Incorporating green criteria into defence procurement, such as low-emission steel, cement, and chemicals would not compromise performance but could establish defence as a lead market for clean products. Given the high cost of defence equipment, the incremental “green premium” would be minimal yet strategically impactful for industrial decarbonisation.
4. Just Transition in the Automotive and Defence Industries:
The shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles is leading to factory closures across Europe. Repurposing idle automotive infrastructure for defence production could mitigate social and economic disruptions while accelerating the EU’s defence capacity. Companies like Rheinmetall and John Cockerill have already expressed interest in this transition. EU support, possibly via a restructured Just Transition Fund could scale such initiatives.
5. Shared Raw Material Dependencies:
Defence and clean-tech industries rely on the same critical raw materials. A dual-use strategy under the Critical Raw Materials Act is essential to avoid competition and ensure supply chain resilience. Strategic stockpiling, co-investments, innovation in recycling, and trade alignment can secure long-term access to these vital resources.
6. Joint Innovation Ecosystems:
Technological advancement is central to both agendas. Coordinating EU innovation funds with defence research and NATO initiatives such as the NATO Innovation Fund and DIANA can accelerate the development of dual-use clean technologies. Such alignment enhances efficiency, reduces duplication, and improves the strategic impact of R&D investments.
7. Security-Driven Preparedness:
Preparedness for climate-related disruptions and hostile threats enhances both environmental and national security. Strategic planning for energy reserves, contingency infrastructure, and robust monitoring can prevent ecological disasters and fuel shortages. Security thus becomes a pillar for sustainable resilience.
This text is based on extracts from an analysis written by Simone Tagliapietra, April 2025. The complete paper can be found here.
See below for our coverage on similar topics:
- Interview with Johanna Lauritsen
- Defence in a Climate-Changed World: Futureproofing its Licence to Operate
- Impact of Critical Energy Infrastructure Security on Military Resilience and Energy Security within NATO
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