By Abbas Nazil
Countries should consider rewilding their land borders as a way to strengthen national security and deter potential invasions, according to Jessika Roswall, the environment commissioner of the European Union.
Roswall said governments could use natural landscapes such as forests, wetlands and dense vegetation to make border areas more difficult for military forces to cross while simultaneously improving biodiversity and environmental protection.
Speaking in an interview, she explained that investing in nature can serve both ecological and strategic purposes, describing the approach as a “win-win” solution that strengthens security while restoring ecosystems.
She pointed to examples in Poland and Finland, which share land borders with Russia or its allies and have begun restoring natural vegetation along parts of their frontier regions.
According to Roswall, authorities in those countries have allowed bushes and trees to grow naturally along border areas, creating rugged terrain that can make it more challenging for troops or vehicles to move through.
She also highlighted the restoration of wetlands as another natural defence mechanism that can slow or prevent military movement.
Wetlands, she said, are particularly difficult for heavy military equipment such as tanks to cross, making them an effective natural barrier in addition to their environmental benefits.
Roswall urged European governments to begin viewing natural ecosystems as strategic national assets rather than simply environmental resources.
She argued that maintaining healthy ecosystems contributes directly to national resilience, especially in areas such as food production and water security.
Food supply systems and water resources, she said, are increasingly recognised as essential components of national security.
Roswall pointed to the war in Ukraine as an example of how attacks on water infrastructure can create serious humanitarian and security challenges.
She said protecting water systems and investing in water infrastructure should therefore be treated as a critical security priority.
The EU commissioner also warned that many parts of Europe are already experiencing severe water stress.
According to her, several regions face water scarcity, increased pressure on water resources and, in some cases, declining rainfall.
At the same time, water pollution remains a widespread challenge affecting countries across the continent.
Roswall stressed that improving water quality must become a major focus for policymakers, as contamination continues to threaten both ecosystems and public health.
She said European countries must strengthen cooperation in managing water resources in order to address both scarcity and pollution.
Another environmental concern raised by the commissioner involves so-called “forever chemicals,” commonly known as PFAS.
These chemicals are widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and have been detected in soil and water systems across many regions.
Roswall said the EU is working to accelerate regulatory action on PFAS in order to provide clearer guidance and stronger protections against environmental contamination.
She suggested that industries responsible for pollution should contribute to the cost of environmental cleanup efforts.
However, she acknowledged that in many contaminated areas the original polluters may be unknown, meaning governments and public funds could also be required to finance remediation.
Roswall also addressed environmental cooperation between the EU and the United Kingdom following the country’s departure from the bloc.
She noted that both sides still share similar goals when it comes to maintaining strong environmental standards and protecting natural resources.
According to her, ambitious environmental policies are not only essential for protecting the planet but also for maintaining economic prosperity and industrial competitiveness.
She added that the EU remains committed to advancing its environmental agenda, including efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity.
Roswall emphasised that the transition to greener policies should be implemented efficiently while continuing to support industries adapting to environmental standards.
In her view, environmental protection, economic competitiveness and national security are closely linked priorities that governments must address together in the years ahead.
