Nine Ukrainian Military Institutions Join the European Security and Defence College Network
Nine Ukrainian military educational institutions have been integrated into the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) network. This decision was confirmed by the ESDC’s Executive Academic Council.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
The integration process began in January 2025 when seven Ukrainian military institutions submitted their applications for inclusion in the prestigious European network. Later, two additional institutions joined the effort, marking a broader commitment to aligning Ukraine’s military educational framework with European Union standards.
This step is seen as a key element in the integration of NATO and EU-compatible educational models within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The move will enhance Ukraine's ability to work in closer cooperation with its European partners, facilitating a stronger alignment with NATO practices and fostering increased interoperability. It also presents new opportunities for enhancing the development of Ukraine’s military education sector.
“This membership enables us to collaborate with European partners in designing and delivering educational programs,” noted Volodymyr Mirnenko, Director of the Department of Military Education and Science at Ukraine's Ministry of Defence.
The nine institutions that have now become part of the ESDC network include Hetman Petro Sahaidachny National Ground Forces Academy, Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University, Odessa Military Academy, Military Law Institute of the Yaroslav the Wise National Law University, etc.
The European Security and Defence College was founded in 2005 as an autonomous entity within the European Union, with the aim of providing strategic-level education under the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy framework. It plays a pivotal role in fostering a European security culture by uniting military and civilian educational institutions, academies, and organizations involved in security and defense policy within the EU. The membership will provide Ukrainian institutions with access to these educational resources, further enhancing their capacity to educate military personnel in alignment with global best practices.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Ukraine’s Western allies are in advanced talks to provide additional Patriot air defense systems to Kyiv, aiming to finalize an agreement before the NATO summit in late June.