Nature as a Weapon: EU Chief's Security Strategy

European Union Commissioner Jessika Roswall has proposed a novel approach to national security: rewilding land borders and utilizing natural defenses. She suggests that nature can serve as a crucial asset in deterring attacks and enhancing security, a strategy already implemented by Poland and Finland along their frontiers with Russia or its allies.

These nations have transformed border zones into more challenging terrains by allowing bushes and trees to grow, impeding easier passage. Roswall highlighted that restoring wetlands also creates natural barriers, making it difficult for heavy military equipment like tanks to advance.

The EU official stresses that environmental investments are essential for national security, directly impacting food and water security. She pointed to the critical need to protect water infrastructure, referencing the situation in Ukraine where such facilities are targeted. Furthermore, she advocated for nature-based solutions like 'sponge cities' to mitigate the effects of floods and droughts, framing these as significant security concerns.

Roswall also addressed pressing water quality issues across Europe, including pollution and scarcity, calling for collaborative action. She is pushing for stricter controls on 'forever chemicals' like Pfas, which pose risks through water and soil contamination. The Commissioner indicated that industries, including pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors, should bear responsibility for cleanup costs, though some contaminated sites may require public funding for remediation.