EU Climate Security and Defence Training Platform (EU Climate SDTP)
A. ABOUT THE INITIATIVE
The EU Climate Security and Defence Training Platform (EU CS DTP) is a ESDC EAB configuration and project inspired by the fact that climate change and environmental degradation pose increasing risks to international peace and security. The security and defence implications of climate change and environmental degradation have thus become more urgent, challenging and multifaceted. The EU has been at the forefront in addressing climate change as a threat multiplier since 2008. Defining and implementing this new outlook on the climate and security nexus is critical, in line with the objectives set out in the external dimension of the European Green Deal and the Strategic Compass on Security and Defence. The joint communication ‘A new outlook on the climate and security nexus: addressing the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on peace, security and defence’ establishes an enhanced framework and puts forward concrete measures in line with the EU’s integrated approach to external conflicts and crises. The joint communication announced that: ‘To bring together different training providers and address the needs of different training audiences in a systematic manner, an EU Climate Security and Defence Training Platform will be established in the framework of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC).’ The EU Climate Security and Defence Training Platform was established, under the leadership of ESDC focal point Igor CEBEK, in Larnaca on 15-16 February 2024, where Monika PSENNER was appointed as its chair.B. OBJECTIVE
The objective of the EU Climate Security and Defence Training Platform, supported by the EEAS, relevant Commission services, the EDA and SatCen, will be to develop the necessary expertise at EU and national levels, including, for example, environmental law and crime experts, environmental engineers and climate-related security risk analysts. This will also allow the EU to progressively develop a pool of (certified) experts that Member States could make available to CSDP missions/operations in addition to their work in national ministries. The platform will be able to support coordination with other international parties. The platform currently operates under the auspices of the ESDC and will aim to: 1. promote a common security and defence culture in the field of climate and defence security and environmental protection; 2. develop common curricula (e.g. a course on climate change and security, a course on environmental protection, a course for environmental advisers for CSDP missions and operations, etc.); 3. exchange best practices; 4. create partnerships and joint projects.