Rewilding Borders: A New Approach to National Security in Europe

Jessika Roswall, the European Union's Commissioner for the Environment, has proposed that countries rewild their land borders as a strategy to enhance national security and deter invasions. This initiative suggests that natural barriers, such as dense vegetation and wetlands, can serve as effective defenses against military incursions. Roswall highlighted examples from Poland and Finland, where rewilding efforts have made it more challenging for adversaries to cross borders. “Investing in nature and using nature as a natural border control is necessary, and actually increases biodiversity. It’s a win-win,” she stated.

The Guardian

Roswall emphasized the importance of viewing environmental health as integral to national security. She pointed out that a thriving natural environment is essential for food and water security, which are critical assets for any nation. “If we don’t have water, we don’t have [security],” she noted, referencing the ongoing water crisis in Ukraine as a case in point. She advocated for investments in nature-based solutions, such as "sponge cities," to mitigate flooding and drought impacts, framing these initiatives as security measures.

The Guardian

In addition to border security, Roswall raised alarms about water quality across Europe, citing widespread pollution issues. She called for collaborative efforts to address water scarcity and contamination, particularly from “forever chemicals” like PFAS, which pose significant health risks. Roswall is pushing for stronger regulations to manage these pollutants and emphasized the need for accountability from industries responsible for contamination. “The cleanup is bigger than that, because we have a lot of contaminated hotspots where we probably don’t know who is the polluter,” she explained.

The Guardian

Despite tensions between the UK and the EU regarding environmental regulations post-Brexit, Roswall affirmed the EU's commitment to maintaining high environmental standards. She expressed optimism about shared goals with UK officials, stating that high environmental ambition is crucial not only for the planet but also for economic competitiveness. “This is not just good to have – it’s about our prosperity, our competitiveness and our security,” she asserted.

The Guardian

While Roswall's proposals have garnered attention, there are concerns regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of rewilding as a security measure. Critics argue that relying on natural barriers may not adequately address the complexities of modern military threats. Additionally, the implementation of stringent environmental regulations may face resistance from industries concerned about economic impacts.

The Guardian

• “Investing in nature and using nature as a natural border control is necessary, and actually increases biodiversity. It’s a win-win,” — Jessika Roswall, EU Environment Commissioner

The Guardian

• “If we don’t have water, we don’t have [security].” — Jessika Roswall

The Guardian

• “This is not just good to have – it’s about our prosperity, our competitiveness and our security.” — Jessika Roswall

The Guardian

Roswall's vision for integrating environmental strategies into national security frameworks represents a significant shift in policy thinking, aiming to leverage natural resources for both ecological and geopolitical stability.

The Guardian