EU eyes clearer mutual-defense clause while keeping NATO intact

EU leaders in Cyprus are pushing to clarify Article 42.7 to define when and how member states assist each other after an attack, aiming to strengthen protection without clashing with NATO. The discussion covers what ‘aid and assistance’ can entail (diplomatic, technical, medical, civilian or military) and who triggers the clause, with Cyprus urging more precise rules and other frontline members urging caution to preserve NATO’s primacy. Leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Tusk, stress that any EU role would depend on member-state decisions and should not undermine existing NATO obligations.