Cyprus President urges EU to revive mutual defence clause discussion

President Nikos Christodoulides sent a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging the European Union to place the mutual defence clause back on its discussion table. He highlighted Article 42.7 of the Lisbon Treaty, which mandates collective assistance among member states if one is subjected to armed aggression. Citing heightened geopolitical uncertainty—such as the war in Ukraine, hybrid threats to the EU, and tensions in the Middle East—Christodoulides argued the provision is vital for European security.

He requested information on any current proposals and a schedule for further action. Earlier EU testing of the clause’s practical application was noted, but an anonymous EU official said the clause will not be addressed at forthcoming EU leader summits.