EU officials will discuss activating the mutual defense clause following an Iranian drone attack on a British military base in Cyprus.
Background on EU Mutual Defense Clause
The clause resulting from Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union states that if a member state becomes a victim of an armed attack on its territory, other member states are obliged to provide it with assistance and support using all available means. Assistance may include diplomatic support and technical or medical assistance, as well as civil or military assistance.
These obligations are binding for all member states and consistent with the obligations of NATO member states.
Upcoming Discussions
So far, no discussion has taken place on the activation of the EU mutual defense clause, but this topic will certainly be discussed during various meetings planned for the coming days, dedicated to the situation in the Middle East.
However, EU Commissioner’s spokesperson Pinho noted that “at this stage she cannot predict the outcome of these talks.”
Recent Attack
The topic of activating the mutual defense clause emerged in connection with the attack by Iranian drones on a British military base in Cyprus. President Nikos Christodulidis confirmed on Monday that the British air force base on the island was attacked at night, causing minor material damage.