Thread by @morcos_pierre

[Thread] New 🧵 on the #StrategicCompass, this time on one timely provision of the EU treaties: the mutual assistance clause (article 42-7 TEU).
eeas.europa.eu/eeas/strategic…

1/ Introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, the "mutual assistance clause" of article 42(7) of the Treaty on EU states that if a member state is the victim of “armed aggression on its territory” other states have an “obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power.”

The clause does "not prejudice the specific character of the security and defense policy of certain Member States" (neutral countries), and is "consistent with commitments under NATO, which remains [for its members] the foundation of their collective defense."

A quick reminder: 6 EU countries are not members of NATO and therefore not covered by article 5 (Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Austria, Cyprus, Malta).

2/ Was the clause ever invoked? Yes, by France in 2015 following terrorist attacks on Paris. EU countries voted unanimously in favor and decided to increase their military engagement in CT operations in the Sahel and in Iraq/Syria.
politico.eu/article/eu-agr…

3/ In 2018, following a 🇫🇷 proposal and under the 🇫🇮 presidency of the Council of the EU, EU countries launched an internal work on article 42(7).

Rather than revisiting the treaties, the goal was to "operationalize" the clause so that European countries have a clear understanding of the conditions and modalities of its activation. Table-top exercises have notably been organized in this regard.

4/ The significance of the clause is underlined at the forefront of the #StrategicCompass:

"The more hostile security environment requires us to [...] ensure solidarity and mutual assistance. The solidarity between Member States is reflected in article 42(7) TEU."

"We recognize that there is a new strategic landscape emerging that requires us to […] show mutual assistance and solidarity in case of aggression against one of us."

A strong political signal in the context of the war in #Ukraine.

5/ Beyond political messaging, member states commit to "invest" in their mutual assistance, notably through "regular exercises".

Interestingly, this will include cyber exercises *and* space exercises.

"By the end of 2022, we will explore the use of solidarity, mutual assistance and crisis response mechanisms in case of attacks originating from space or threats to space-based assets."

6/ Finally, the #StrategicCompass mentions a potential role of the EU institutions in the implementation of the assistance clause ("The EU Military Staff can also contribute to the implementation of, upon Member States’ request, the mutual assistance clause" - p.38).

This is not anecdotal as it could help member states, especially the "small" ones, implement the clause. Coordinating the assistance provided by all member states in the event of an activation of 42(7) could prove to be cumbersome. This could make the clause more attractive.[End]