Addressing the interdependence between peace and climate change: need for renewed global diplomacy

Background

The EESC acknowledges that the inextricable link between climate change and global stability has become undeniable. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and resource scarcity are not just environmental concerns, but also significant catalysts for conflict. Therefore, it is imperative that climate and security policy must be viewed as reinforcing elements of a sustainable and peaceful global future.

The opinion underscores the need for an EU diplomatic strategy, which must be grounded in three guiding principles. First, climate considerations should be fully integrated into conflict prevention strategies. Second, the EU must prioritise regional and multilateral cooperation that advances both climate resilience and conflict resolution. Third, sustainable development should be promoted as a peace mechanism, with targeted investments in renewable energy, reforestation and climate-smart agriculture helping to reduce vulnerability and prevent conflict.

Key points

In the opinion the EESC:

• believes that the EU must strengthen its diplomatic and institutional responses to address the impacts of climate on peace and stability, especially in the new geopolitical order;
• recommends that EU should invest in multilateralism and continue to lead globally in the call for climate action, especially considering the withdrawal of the United States from any reasonable responsibility on this issue;
• believes that a renewed diplomatic strategy must be rooted in three key principles: integrating climate considerations into conflict prevention, strengthening multilateral cooperation and Investing in Green Development as a Peace Mechanism.

Additional Information

EESC section: External Relations (REX)

Opinion number: REX/599-EESC-2025

Opinion type: Own-initiative opinion

Rapporteur: Dimitris DIMITRIADIS (Employers - GR I/ Greece), co-rapporteur: Peter SCHMIDT

(Workers - GR II/Germany)

Date of adoption by the section: 12/06/2025

Date of adoption in plenary: 16-17 July 2025

Result of the vote in plenary: ……. in favour/……. against/…… abstentions

Contact

Millie Tsoumani

Press Officer, Tel.: +32 (0) 2 546 9088, Email: amalia.tsoumani@eesc.europa.eu

Marie-Laurence Drillon

Policy Officer, Tel.:+32 (2) 546 8320, Email: Marie-Laurence.Drillon@eesc.europa.eu