Brussels, 23/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Union has validated guidelines on the concept of a pilot State for consular protection, which aims to facilitate coordination between the Member States to protect European citizens, particularly by putting them in a safe place in the event of serious crisis outside the EU. These guidelines were adopted on 8 December and published in the Official Journal of 12 December. This means that in the event of a major crisis with consular repercussions, a pilot State will help on a voluntary basis, to ensure that all citizens of the Union benefit from assistance, and will coordinate the actions of the Member States on the ground. This action will be carried out without prejudice to the fact that it is, first and foremost, up to the Member States to provide protection for their nationals. This role of pilot State will be similar to the one played by France in Chad last February, when it evacuated more than 700 European citizens. Once the pilot stage comes to an end, the Member States will look into the option of formalising this framework by means of a legal decision. Anybody eligible to receive consular assistance from his or her own Member State may ask for help from the pilot State. The guidelines adopted are available at: http: //register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/fr/08/st16/st16618.fr08.pdf. (B.C./trans.fl)