LONDON — Europe is navigating a challenging geopolitical landscape. The European Union (EU) struggles to unify its member states around common goals. Issues like security, competition, migration, and democracy have been highlighted as reasons for deeper collaboration, but none have gathered enough momentum.
Interestingly, environmental concerns, once central to Europe’s mission, have taken a backseat. Ignoring climate action as outdated overlooks its urgency and importance for Europe’s unity. A historical perspective shows that the dream of a united Europe has deep roots. Victor Hugo, at the Peace Congress of 1849, envisioned Europe as a united entity, thriving together like the United States of America and the proposed “United States of Europe.”
However, implementing these ideals hasn’t been easy. Historically, republics were often limited to city-states, making it seem impractical to unify vast territories. The American Revolution proved that diverse communities could come together under a single framework, paving the way for others to follow suit.
During the early 20th century, thinkers like Luigi Einaudi advocated for federalism as a way to combat imperialism and stabilize peace. The concept gained traction with works like Richard von Coudenhove-Kalergi’s 1923 “Pan-Europa,” emphasizing federalism as key to lasting harmony.
In 1940, Winston Churchill even proposed a political union between the UK and France to counter Nazi Germany, showcasing a strong historical push for integration. Though this effort faltered, figures like Jean Monnet propelled Europe toward integration post-World War II, leading to the foundational Treaties of Rome, Maastricht, and Lisbon.
Today, the climate crisis could be the catalyst for renewed unity. With global temperatures rising, Europe is warming twice as fast as other regions. The World Meteorological Organization reports climate-related disasters are becoming frequent, with 2025 flooding and droughts causing over 40 billion euros in damages across Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
The impacts of climate change aren’t just financial. They redefine our lives. For example, a century ago, the world had limited water storage, exposing people to the whims of nature. Now, reservoirs manage river runoff, reflecting how far we’ve come in managing our environment. Yet, climate extremes challenge these systems, threatening the stability achieved through collective efforts in infrastructure and governance.
By placing environmental issues at the core of EU integration, member states can forge a shared identity that doesn’t rely on defining an external “them.” Historical efforts, like communal water management in Spain, can inspire modern solutions. A unified response to climate change may also clarify Europe’s role in a rapidly changing world.
As technology advances, Europeans face decisions about their future—what kind of continent they want to inhabit. The environment is not just a backdrop but a part of the political landscape. Tackling climate change means balancing security, development, and welfare simultaneously.
To succeed, the EU needs effective institutions to connect local and continental goals. Unlike the U.S., which has independent taxation and military capabilities, the EU lacks these powers. Still, it functions through coordination. Agencies like the European Investment Bank can evolve into stronger development bodies to finance essential climate projects across Europe.
By focusing on environmental stewardship, the EU can establish a meaningful purpose that resonates with citizens. In the face of climate disruptions, safeguarding homes, ensuring water supplies, and maintaining power aren’t just technical challenges—they are vital to reestablishing a sense of unity and purpose in Europe.
Giulio Boccaletti is the author of “The Environmental Republic: Why Citizens Will Save the World” (Princeton University Press, 2026) and “Water: A Biography” (Pantheon Books, 2021). This article was distributed by Project Syndicate.
