EU seeks clarity on mutual defense response amid rising security concerns

EU leaders gathering Friday in Lefkosa are seeking clarity on how the bloc should respond if a member state comes under attack.

“The Commission will prepare a blueprint on how we respond in case a member state triggers Article 42.7,” Nikos Christodoulides, leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration and host of the summit, told reporters.

Article 42.7 of the EU treaty is a mutual defense clause stating that if a member state is the victim of armed aggression on its territory, other members are obliged to provide aid and assistance by all means available.

The push has been driven in part by a drone attack on a British base on the island in March, highlighting the potential spillover of regional conflicts onto EU territory. The Greek Cypriot Administration is among the few EU members not part of NATO.

“All member states that are NATO members—but also those countries that are not—see the necessity to have an operational plan,” Christodoulides added.

The provision has only been invoked once, by France after the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, but questions remain over how it would operate in practice.

“There are a number of questions that need answers. Let’s say France triggers Article 42.7—which countries would be the first to respond to the request of the French government? What are the needs of the country that activate the clause?” Christodoulides said.

Earlier this month, Politico reported that the EU is planning first-of-its-kind simulation exercises in the coming weeks to test how the clause could be implemented in the event of an armed attack.

EU leaders are also set to discuss the energy crisis and efforts to boost diplomatic engagement in the Middle East.