Brussels, Belgium. The European Union is working on a new strategic playbook to strengthen its mutual defence clause, Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said, warning that Europe must be prepared to replace military capabilities currently provided by the United States.
Cyprus role in Article 42.7 discussions
Asked about Cyprus’ efforts to strengthen Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union, the bloc’s mutual assistance clause, Kubilius praised the role played by the island during its presidency of the Council of the EU.
“Cyprus did a very good job during its presidency in asking for development of much more operational language on Article 42.7,” he told the Cyprus Mail.
Framework under development
The clause obliges EU member states to provide aid and assistance to another member state which becomes the victim of armed aggression. However, questions have long been raised about how it would function in practice, particularly for non-Nato member states such as Cyprus.
Kubilius said Brussels was working on a more detailed framework which could eventually become part of a broader European security strategy.
“I am looking for specific language, some strategic playbook on what mutual assistance possibilities we have at the moment, especially in crisis management,” he said.
Pre-crisis arrangements
Kubilius said the EU was also examining the possibility of introducing special arrangements that could be activated before a crisis escalates to the point where Article 42.7 would need to be formally invoked.
“Even before member states can formally invoke Article 42.7, the situation usually becomes more tense,” he said.
“We can have special arrangements on how member states are preparing to assist any member state which is facing more and more troubles.”
According to Kubilius, such mechanisms could help deter escalation by demonstrating solidarity before a crisis reaches a critical point.
