Cyprus is pushing for the 'EU defense principle': Is there concern about Turkey in the background?

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The European Union’s (EU) “mutual support clause”—comparable to NATO’s Article 5 on collective defense—is a hot topic. France and Greece want this clause to take center stage.

Details of the Developments

The Republic of Cyprus, one of four EU countries that are not NATO members, is drawing attention with its special efforts regarding this article. At the summit held in Cyprus on April 23–24, EU leaders decided to prepare guidelines regarding Article 42.7.

Article 42.7, also referred to as the EU’s “defense clause,” is included in the Lisbon Treaty, which entered into force in 2009. “In the event of an armed attack against the territory of a member state, the other member states are obligated, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter,

to provide assistance and support to that member state with all means at their disposal. This does not affect the specific nature of the security and defense policies of certain member states." France requested assistance from other EU countries following the terrorist attacks in 2015.

This call was met with a unanimous positive response, and support was provided to France.

This news has become one of the top headlines on the global agenda. Experts are closely monitoring potential developments.