Ukraine could be useful in future European Security Council's work - MEP

MEP Dainius Zalimas from the Renew Europe group said this in a comment to Ukrinform.

"EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius is really consistent with his idea of setting up a European Security Council and it is actually supported by our political group and the majority of pro-European groups. If we need a real and effective European Defense Union, we need this kind of Security Council," Zalimas said, adding that at the time the debate is ongoing.

He noted that to this end, the Treaties of the EU need to be adjusted, although they already foresee cooperation in the defense sphere.

Zalimas underlined the need for a stronger European defense coordination, including due to the "lack of trust" to the current U.S. administration,

"We need to build the effective autonomous capability in very strong coordination, if not centralization," he noted, adding that this coordination will in no way replace NATO.

It is needed for when the U.S. is lacking political will or resources to act.

Asked whether such coordination structures could include Ukraine even before the country gains membership in the EU, the MEP said: "We are quite flexible to create any additional structures, new formats without any change to EU Treaties. Maybe we will just need to adopt some additional legal instruments, looking to the future, but I agree that all the countries who might contribute to the European security, even if they are not members of the European Union, should be included, Ukraine, in particular."

He noted that no other country has such experience as Ukraine in modern warfare, in countering and defending against Russia.

"Ukraine is our ally. So, if we seriously speak about defense of Europe, we should use this expertise from Ukraine, so Ukraine should be included, and we should rely on Ukraine," the lawmaker said.

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