Europe navigates defence modernisation and climate security risks

European defence initiatives have accelerated following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, marked by increased spending and new joint projects. While technical integration is advancing, political cohesion remains a hurdle for achieving genuine strategic autonomy. Small frontline states are driving operational autonomy in specific areas, such as counter-uncrewed aerial systems, through initiatives like the ‘EU Drone Wall’. However, significant dependence on the United States persists in domains like strategic airlift, long-range strike, and space-based intelligence.

Parallel to military shifts, climate change is increasingly impacting European security and infrastructure. Extreme heat and drought have already affected energy production, such as the temporary closure of coal plants in Poland and restricted nuclear output in Hungary and Romania due to low water levels. Additionally, rising temperatures pose risks to transportation networks, including the warping of railway tracks and strain on electrical systems, necessitating a broader definition of security that includes long-term environmental sustainability.