The IRIS commentary by Ester Sabatino examines how Europe’s defence sector can balance industrial capabilities and green transition goals amid the critical raw materials challenge.

Original scientific article published in nature climate change, 16 February 2026.

Photo credit: Reuters. Smoke and fire are seen near a high-voltage line at a site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, outside Kharkiv, Ukraine, March 22, 2024.

The triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution poses an increasing threat to the environment and the economy. The Environmental Outlook aims to support an integrated policy approach that considers common drivers, pressures, and mutually reinforcing effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

This opinion article was originally published by Euractiv on 17 March, 2026. 

The new Dutch government, led by D66, VDD, and CDA has ambitious plans for climate, energy, and security. In this article, Pepijn Verhaak highlights three key takeaways: Strategic Autonomy, Vital Infrastructure, and Raw Materials.