The Securitization and Eurocentric Narratives in the European Union's Climate Policy and Diplomacy

Abstract

Post the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the EU has increasingly adopted climate and energy policy as a matter of security, developing a paradigm of climate-energy-security nexus in the climate policymaking and diplomacy of the EU. This paper argues that the connotations of such a nexus showcase the increasing securitization and Eurocentrism in the EU's climate action, a significant change from its historical role as a ‘leader-by-example’ in undertaking climate action. Beyond showcasing the theoretical framings of securitization and Eurocentrism, the paper seeks to highlight how the key policies of the ‘internal’ European Green Deal, especially the REPowerEU and CBAM, are increasingly influenced by these ideals. The paper also examines the Eurocentric narratives in the ‘external’ outreach of EU's climate diplomacy, evolving beyond colonial epistemologies to reflect watered down ambitions and promote green mineral extraction under the broader narrative of green transition.