Page 21 - The European Union and the War on Ukraine

and permanent Operation Headquarters (OHQs) for command and
control (C2) at the military/civilian strategic level and the Foreign
Affairs Council (FAC) preparatory bodies – such as the Military

Committee (EUMC), the Defence Agency (EDA).

Implications of Ukraine’s future European Union membership for the

ESDP

Ukraine, which is still in the middle of the merciless war waged
by the Russian Federation, entertains various scenarios for organizing its

medium and long-term security guarantees. In this light, options of bi-
lateral (with the US, UK, etc.) as well as multilateral security pacts with
Western partners that would serve as a preventive instrument against

future attacks on Ukraine are being discussed as an alternative to
Ukraine’s NATO membership. On one hand, such options ensure that
NATO stays out of the lasting military confrontation, thus avoiding
Russia’s further provocations, and, on the other, partially take into

account the Russian demand on Ukraine’s “military neutrality.”
However, Ukraine also applied for the EU membership and looks
forward to the first official reaction of the European Commission as
latter has been tasked by the Council to prepare a response to the

Ukrainian application. Indeed, EU membership may significantly boost
Ukraine’s international position, as well as its economic and political
toolbox, but not only that. Article 42, Paragraph 7 of the Treaty of the
European Union states that “if a Member State is the victim of armed

aggression on its territory, the other Member States shall have towards
it an obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power (!),

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