Ukrainian military universities can join the European Security College network: what does it mean?

Seven military lyceums in Ukraine may become part of the European Security College. The relevant application has already been submitted. The ESDC network opens up new and unique opportunities for the Ukrainian military education system. Find out when Brussels will consider the application and what it means for Ukrainian professional military education in general

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The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine continues to implement Euro-Atlantic standards in the system of professional military education of the Armed Forces. The Ministry has already submitted applications for seven Ukrainian military universities to join the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) network.

Which universities have applied?

- Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Army Academy;

- Zhytomyr Military Institute named after Koroliov;

- Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv;

- Military Institute of Telecommunications and Informatisation named after the Heroes of Kruty;

- Military Institute of Tank Troops of the National Technical University ‘Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute’;

- Military Law Institute of the Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University;

- Institute of Naval Forces of the National University ‘Odesa Maritime Academy’.

The applications will be considered at a meeting of the ESDC Executive Scientific Board scheduled for 18-19 February 2025 in Brussels.

What will integration into ESDC bring?

According to the Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Brigadier General of Justice Serhiy Melnyk, integration into the ESDC network opens up unique opportunities for the national military education system. Joining the European Security and Defence College will allow to:

🔻 Improve the quality of education. Access to modern European educational programmes and methodologies will allow training military specialists in accordance with the advanced standards of NATO and the European Union.

🔻 Strengthen international cooperation. New contacts with EU partners will strengthen Ukraine's defence and security cooperation, allow for wholesale exchanges, joint research and training.

🔻 Accelerate Euro-Atlantic integration. Participation in the ESDC is in line with the country's strategic course aimed at strengthening defence capabilities and increasing the compatibility of the Ukrainian army with the armed forces of NATO and EU member states.

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What is the European Security and Defence College?

The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) is an institution established in 2005 to train strategic-level professionals in the field of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). It operates as a network that brings together civilian and military institutions, academies, universities and other organisations involved in security and defence policy within the European Union.

The main tasks of the ESDC are:

▪️ development of a European security and defence culture;

▪️ training and retraining of highly qualified experts capable of working at the level of EU institutions and member states

▪️ strengthening cooperation among states within the framework of a common foreign and defence policy.

What does this mean for Ukraine?

The accession of seven Ukrainian military universities to the ESDC network will actually be another step in strengthening the country's Euro-Atlantic integration. This will not only expand the prospects for teachers and cadets - from improving language skills to deepening scientific ties - but will also allow Ukrainian military institutions to become full participants in the European security education environment.

In the long run, this will help to increase the combat capability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and strengthen the country's international credibility as a reliable partner. At the same time, the very fact that Ukraine is being considered at the level of the ESDC Executive Academic Board confirms the readiness of the European side to develop cooperation and share experience in the field of security and defence.

If the applications are approved, Ukrainian military universities will receive the official status of ESDC network members in the near future, which will be another symbolic and practical step towards European integration.

We remind you! The military in Ukraine will be able to apply for some services electronically. We told you what services for Ukrainian defenders are going to be digitised.

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