Addressing the nexus between climate change and security is a fundamental policy priority for the future of the EU’s external action. Climate change and environmental degradation, including extreme weather, rising temperatures, pollution, loss of livelihoods, and food production insecurity have complex reinforcing effects on the causes of instability and conflict. The nexus between these factors is also changing the way Europe’s security and defence forces operate, prompting them to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossils fuels while also maintaining their operational effectiveness.

To better respond to the interconnected effects of climate change and environmental degradation on peace, security, and defence, in June 2023, the High Representative and the European Commission adopted a Joint Communication on “A new outlook on the climate and security nexus – Addressing the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on peace, security and defence”. The March 2024 Council Conclusions on Green Diplomacy called for the swift implementation of the Joint Communication and underlined the importance of mainstreaming the climate, peace and security nexus in the EU and EU Member States’ external action.

The Joint Communication focuses on four pillars: 1) evidence-based analysis and foresight to support planning, decision-making, and implementation; 2) operationalisation of the climate-security nexus in all aspects of EU external action; 3) ensuring a sustainable and climate-resilient European security and defence; 4) and building strong partnerships. Operational impact is ensured through 30 concrete actions, including the establishment of a Climate and Environment Security Data and Analysis Hub at the EU Satellite Centre to a comprehensive Climate Package for CSDP Mission and Operations.

With the beginning of a new institutional cycle around the corner, it is fundamental that the EU continues to harness the potential of the Joint Communication to improve knowledge, capacity, and information exchange to address the challenges to peace and security posed by climate change and environmental degradation.

In line with the objective of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union to facilitate a deeper discussion on the future of the EU foreign, development, trade, security and defence policies, the Egmont Institute, the European External Action Service (EEAS), and the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the EU will take stock and discuss the further implementation of the Joint Communication on “A new outlook on the climate and security nexus”.

This half-day workshop will focus on 1) climate security and geopolitics; 2) evidence-based policy making and communication; and 3) climate security and the EU integrated approach (whole-of-society-approach)

This workshop is linked to a closed-door expert exchange on 27 May facilitated by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Multinational Development Policy Dialogue office and the International Crisis Group, with the support of the EU Delegation to Afghanistan. The expert exchange will focus on the specific operational challenges faced in promoting climate resilience within fragile and post-conflict territories, specifically in Afghanistan, Libya, and Somalia.

Programme

08:30-09:00 Registration

09:00-09:30 Welcome and opening remarks – The Joint Communication One Year On

• Ambassador Stéphane Mund, Permanent Representative to the PSC, Permanent Representation of Belgium to the EU
• Cosmin Dobran, Director, PCM, EEAS
• Diana Acconcia, Director, DG CLIMA, European Commission
• Astrid Schomaker, Director, DG ENV, European Commission
• Pol De Witte, Director General, Egmont Institute
• Moderator: Sari Kouvo, Policy Officer, Climate, Environment and Security, Integrated Approach for Peace and Security Division, EEAS

09:30-10:15 Panel discussion – The Climate-Security Nexus, Partnerships and Geopolitics

• Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director, United Nations Environment Program
• Anthony Agotha, Special Envoy for Climate and Environment, EEAS
• Moderator: Elissa Jobson, Chief of Advocacy, International Crisis Group

10:15-10:45 Coffee Break

10:45-12:00 Policy Labs

Policy Lab 1 – Climate-security nexus: using and communicating evidence

• Roisin Drury Tully, Programme Manager, Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI)
• Eleonora Kist, Policy Analyst, Joint Research Centre (JRC)
• Benjamin Pohl, Head of Programme Climate Diplomacy and Security, Adelphi
• Moderator: Eleonora Milazzo, Associate Fellow, Egmont Institute

Policy Lab 2 – Operationalising the Climate-Security Nexus

• Olivier Francois Schott, Policy Officer for Climate Diplomacy, DG CLIMA, European Commission
• Raphaela Engel, Policy Officer, Security and Defense Policy, EEAS
• Niclas Gottmann, Policy Officer for Land and Environment, DG INTPA, European Commission
• Moderator: Sari Kouvo, Policy Officer, Climate, Environment and Security, Integrated Approach for Peace and Security Division, EEAS

12:00-12:30 Plenary discussion: feedback from Policy Labs

12:30-12:45 Concluding Remarks

• Wim Schaerlaekens, Strategic Advisor, Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Jean Louis de Brouwer, Director of the European Affairs Programme, Egmont Institute

Click here for the concept note.

Click here to register.

(Photo credit:  Wikipedia)