THE EU'S ARMAMENTS PROGRAM: A CONTRADICTION BETWEEN SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
THE EU'S ARMAMENTS PROGRAM: A CONTRADICTION BETWEEN SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Summary/Abstract: The European Union’s armament program represents a central pillar of its security policy, aimed at strengthening defensive capabilities and responding to recent geopolitical challenges. At the same time, the European Union promotes the Green Deal, an ambitious plan for a transition to a climate-neutral economy, involving greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency, and protection of natural resources. This duality raises questions about the coherence between security objectives and environmental goals. The defense industry is recognized as one of the largest industrial polluters, involving significant greenhouse gas emissions, high energy consumption, and critical resources such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The production, testing, and deployment of weaponry also generate toxic waste that affects soil and water. In this context, massive investments in the military sector may directly conflict with the EU’s environmental commitments. The tension between security and sustainability necessitates the search for integrated solutions. Dual-use technologies, ecological regulations for the defense industry, and investments in research for less-polluting armaments represent concrete directions to reconcile these objectives. By implementing coherent and innovative policies, the EU can maintain collective security without compromising long-term environmental goals. In conclusion, the EU’s armament program raises significant dilemmas regarding ecological sustainability. To avoid contradictions between security and environmental protection, it is essential to integrate green principles into defense strategy, enabling Europe to achieve both security and climate neutrality.

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