The implications of climate change, environmental degradation and exploitation on international peace, security, and defence (residential) Course

The implications of climate change, environmental degradation and exploitation on international peace, security, and defence (residential) Course

The implications of climate change, environmental degradation and exploitation on international peace, security, and defence (residential) CourseDate: (24-03-2026)
City: Sofia
Location: CMDR COE
Duration: 4 days
Classification: NON CLASSIFIED
Depth of knowledge: Level 200

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CDMR COE) together with the Diplomatic Institute of Bulgaria, under the aegis of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), have the pleasure of inviting you to the ESDC Course “The implications of climate change, environmental degradation and exploitation on international peace, security, and defence” taking place in Sofia, Bulgaria, from 24-27 March 2026. 

 

This course provides a thorough understanding of Climate Security as a concept, its overarching principles and objectives predominantly within the EU Integrated approach. It aims at enhancing participants’ climate literacy and raising their awareness of the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation and exploitation on peace, security and defence. This course iteration focuses on the security and defence dimension.

 

It highlights the role of climate change, environmental degradation and exploitation as threat multipliers and opportunities for peacebuilding, emphasizing the need for all CFSP/CSDP processes to integrate climate and environmental considerations. It also explains the EU’s approach to the climate-security nexus and its coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

  

The course consists of an e-Learning part and a residential session, constituting a critical contribution to raising awareness about climate and environment-related security implications.

 

Target audience

Up to 30 civilian experts, police and military personnel, preferably be involved in the planning, implementation or management of CSDP missions and operations or in EU Commission projects. The course is open to third countries.

 

Seats and nominations

The total number of participants is limited to 30 persons. Typically, one seat per Member State will be allocated. Depending on the total number of requests, one additional seat could be allocated. EU Member States, Third Countries, International Organisations, EU institutions, bodies and agencies, as well as CSDP missions and operations are invited to nominate each a maximum of two candidates.

 

Residential part of the course

The residential part of the course will take place at the premises of CMDR COE in Sofia, Bulgaria, from 24-27 March 2026.

 

E-learning part of the course

The course will be preceded by a mandatory e-Learning phase, set to start on 9 Febrary 2026 on the ESDC eLearning platform ILIAS, which needs to be finalised before the beginning of the residential phase in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 24 March 2026. 

 

Language:

The command of English language should be at a professional level, according to the criteria stated in STANAG 6001- 3-2-3-2 or B2+/C1 in CEFRL. 

 

Course fee: No course fee

 

 

Application procedure

Applications will be filed via the ESDC secure internet system ENLIST, by designated nominators, under https://esdc.europa.eu/enlist/login. A list with relevant ENLIST nominators can be retrieved from the ESDC website. Registration will not be final until confirmed by the ESDC Secretariat and upon completion of the requested personal data in ENLIST by the confirmed participants.

  

Applications from third countries should be sent directly to the ESDC Secretariat at SECRETARIAT-ESDC@eeas.europa.eu, with Esther.breffka@eeas.europa.eu in cc, stating: the full name of the candidate; personal email address (functional mailboxes cannot be accepted); institution; and the reason why the applicant would benefit from this course. Each third country is invited to propose up to two candidates with priority 1 and 2, and the final selection will be made according to the available places. Confirmation of participation will not be final until provided by the ESDC Secretariat.

Applications are to be filed no later than 30 January 2026. 

 

Applicants from Bulgaria are required to submit their applications via the CMDR COE website Courses

  

POCs:

Course Director - MAJ Ralitsa Bakalova, ralitsa.bakalova@cmdrcoe.org, phone: + 359 2 92 24851

OPR - LTC Elitsa Raleva, elitsa.raleva@cmdrcoe.org, phone: + 359 2 92 24741

 

 

·       Point main climate change characteristics – causes, impacts, scenarios, direct and indirect impacts; 

·       State the main international strategies, policies and actors in the field of Climate Change;

·       Summarise the nexus between Climate Change and Security  considering the impact of climate change on international peace and security, and implications on the military activities;

·       Point the main EU strategies, policies and actors in Climate Change mitigation and adaptation;

·       Explain the impact of climate-driven, man-made and natural disasters on security;

·       Links the main direct and indirect impacts with CSDP/CFSP;

·       Describe the EU organizational structures, mechanisms and instruments for international cooperation in disaster response, including Civil Protection Mechanism (CPM) of the European Commission, the Emergency and Crisis Coordination Arrangements (CCA) of the Council of the EU or the  European External Action Service (EEAS) structures;

·       Outline the EU integrated approach in early warning and building resilience;

·       Explain the relevance of co-operation and networking with the various actors in the field.

·       To foster the network of future civilian and military experts in climate change diplomacy;

·       To analyse and formulate independent and well-informed opinions on Climate change diplomacy;

·       Create an accurate picture of the institutional set-up of the EU and the relevant operating procedures during disaster relief. 

·       To address future challenges and assess the EU strategic documents in this field;

·       Propose possible responses  to improve  the coping capacity in order to assist in building  resilience to climate change and planning, to include long-term (civilian and military) for climate change adaption by defining the right mix of policies, instruments and tools to achieve EU’s objectives;

·       Pursue more effectively comprehensive action through cooperative problem-solving and teamwork;

·       To takes part in climate change mainstreaming policy development and implementation at national or EEAS/EUMS, ECHO, DEVCO levels.


The implications of climate change, environmental degradation and exploitation on international peace, security, and defence (residential) Course
The implications of climate change, environmental degradation and exploitation on international peace, security, and defence (residential) Course
Open
Seats

6
Application
deadline

28 Jan 2026
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