Eleven European governments have warned the European Commission that EU environmental regulations are obstructing their efforts to prepare for a potential Russian invasion.
In a leaked letter obtained by The Telegraph, defence ministers from countries including Germany, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands said rules on waste disposal, wildlife protection and emissions are hampering military exercises and the expansion of bases.
“Credible deterrence in practice means growing the armed forces,” the ministers wrote. “At the moment, some EU legislation forms a direct obstacle.”
They pointed to regulations on nature conservation, procurement, and waste disposal as examples. Under EU rules, armed forces are required to meet environmental targets—even when conducting live-fire drills or building training facilities. Pilots, for instance, have been pushed toward virtual simulations rather than live flying.
The ministers urged Brussels to ensure all future legislation is screened for its impact on military preparedness.
The EU has pledged to spend up to €800 billion over five years to rearm, but several governments say progress is stalled by red tape.
