Europe’s armies are blocked from preparing to face Russia because of EU eco laws which force the military to hit recycling quotas, limit carbon emissions and avoid upsetting wildlife

By TOM LAWRENCE

Published: 09:13 BST, 6 June 2025 | Updated: 09:17 BST, 6 June 2025

EU environmental regulations have been blamed for hindering defence preparations against a potential Russian invasion.

Regulations forcing militaries to hit recycling quotas, limit carbon emissions and to protect bird species have blocked European countries from preparations to defend their countries, ministers have argued. 

In a leaked letter seen by The Telegraph, defence ministers argued the rules had stopped the expansion of military bases and had prevented the training of fighter jet pilots.

The letter, addressed to defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius said EU legislation should not prevent armed forces of member states from becoming operationally ready for an invasion.

Ministers said it is mainly areas of procurement legislation, nature conversation and environmental protection as well as the burden on defence organisations from various EU legal acts.

The letter was signed by 11 European governments; Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Czechia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Finland, Estonia, Denmark and The Netherlands. 

Three years ago, the European commission urged member states to consider ways to reduce emissions in military activities.

The Greening the Armies report pushed for armed forces to move to more virtual training exercises to cut down on emissions.

European governments have argued that regulations are hindering preparations in the event of a Russian invasion. Pictured: Finnish army soldiers

Regulations on wild birds were cited as one of the roadblocks which is hurting militaries from training exercises

Quotas on waste disposal and recycling has also hindered the agility for armed forces to train with live munitions. Pictured: landfill in Belgium

EU sources said preparations for an invasion were also being hindered by directives on wild birds and waste.

 Militaries have to hit certain quotas for waste disposal, under one of the directives, which could hinder the ability for training with live munitions.

The letter said: ‘At the moment, some EU legislation forms a direct obstacle to the armed forces.

‘Credible deterrence in practice means growing the armed forces, which requires space for training, including flying, navigating and driving and building appropriate amenities.’ 

They argued that new legislation from the EU should be screened for its potential impact on the rearmament efforts of european countries before it comes into affect.

They added: ‘Making the EU legal framework fit for this time, horizontally and especially in non-defence specific areas, is a crucial piece of the readiness puzzle.’

The EU hopes to be fully prepared for a Russian invasion in five years time. Around €800 billion (£674 billion) is due to be spent on defence in that period by relaxing debt rules.

The commission had previously committed to easing regulations which could hinder the preparedness of member states, but had yet to follow through. 

Rules for sustainable finance, stating that the environment must be considered, have also been considered a hinderance.

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Europe’s armies are blocked from preparing to face Russia because of EU eco laws which force the military to hit recycling quotas, limit carbon emissions and avoid upsetting wildlife

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