EU environmental regulations have been blamed for hindering defence preparations against a potential Russian invasion.
Regulations forcing militaries to hit recycling quotas, limit carbon emissions and to protect bird species have blocked European countries from preparations to defend their countries, ministers have argued.
In a leaked letter seen by The Telegraph, defence ministers argued the rules had stopped the expansion of military bases and had prevented the training of fighter jet pilots.
The letter, addressed to defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius said EU legislation should not prevent armed forces of member states from becoming operationally ready for an invasion.
Ministers said it is mainly areas of procurement legislation, nature conversation and environmental protection as well as the burden on defence organisations from various EU legal acts.
