EU member states are required by Article 42.7 of the European Union treaties to offer mutual assistance if a fellow member is attacked. This provision establishes a legal framework for collective defense within the bloc, emphasizing solidarity among its members.
However, the extent to which states are prepared to fulfill this obligation in practice varies. Factors such as political will, military capabilities, and the nature of the threat influence how each country might respond under the treaty’s terms.
**Why this matters**
Article 42.7 plays a key role in the EU’s security architecture by promoting cooperation and deterrence. Understanding its implications helps clarify the bloc’s collective defense posture and the potential challenges in coordinating responses to external aggression.
Source: NewsData