Greek Cypriot administration asks EU to revisit common defence clause

The Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) has asked the European Commission to reopen debate on the EU's common defence clause, according to Politico. GCASC leader Nikos Christodoulides wrote to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about Article 42(7) of the Lisbon Treaty, which covers mutual assistance between member states.

Christodoulides called the clause “very important for the EU and its member states, especially in periods of geopolitical uncertainty” and asked for current information on proposals under assessment and a timetable for next steps. An unnamed EU official said the clause is not planned for discussion at any upcoming EU leaders' summit.

The article requires member states to provide aid by all means to a member under attack. Only France has invoked it, after the November 2015 terror attacks. It resurfaced after a drone attack on a British military base in the GCASC on 2 March, without concrete progress. On 27 April, von der Leyen said the obligation already applies and the key question is how and with what capacity it would be implemented.