A senior military official of the European Union (EU) has highlighted the need for the bloc to refine its mutual defence clause and rethink its strategy for division of labour in the event of a conflict.
Austrian Army General Robert Brieger, chairman of the European Union Military Committee, made the recommendation during the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) annual conference in Brussels on January 22nd.
His remarks highlighted the importance of operationalising Article 42.7 of the Treaty of the European Union, the collective-defence stipulation that binds member states to come to each other’s aid during an attack.
Brieger emphasised the necessity of clarifying the clause to make it actionable. “Otherwise, it is nice to have, but we do not have the relevant tools to implement it,” he explained.
Currently, the treaty’s language only stipulates that member states have an obligation to assist one another “by all the means in their power” if one is attacked. However, Brieger posed a critical question: What specific tasks should the EU undertake if a war were to erupt?
Defining Roles in a Crisis
Brieger suggested that the bloc must determine its responsibilities in a European context of collective defence. For instance, could the EU take charge of defending critical infrastructure, ensuring cyber-resilience, or enhancing military mobility requirements?
These questions reflect the broader challenge of translating a general commitment to mutual defence into actionable policies and mechanisms.
The lack of clarity in Article 42.7 becomes even more significant in light of Europe’s evolving security landscape. Over the past year, military experts have increasingly debated the implications of a potentially scaled-back U.S. role in Europe and NATO.
With America’s attention partially shifting toward challenges in the Indo-Pacific, Europe faces the urgent need to prepare for a future where it might have to shoulder more responsibility for its own security.
A Changing Security Landscape
The prospect of reduced U.S. involvement has sparked discussions about how Europe can bolster its defence capabilities and alliances. Some officials have floated the idea of closer cooperation between the EU and the United Kingdom, despite Britain’s departure from the bloc.
At the EDA conference, EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas echoed this sentiment, urging the EU to explore new security agreements with post-Brexit Britain. A stronger partnership could help bridge capability gaps and enhance Europe’s collective ability to respond to potential threats.
Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom remains a critical military power in Europe, with significant capabilities in areas such as intelligence, cyber defence, and conventional military strength. Strengthening ties with the UK could provide the EU with a valuable partner in addressing shared security challenges.
Preparing for the Future
The call for refining Article 42.7 also aligns with broader efforts to enhance European defense cooperation. Over the past decade, the EU has taken steps to strengthen its defense posture, including initiatives like the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and the European Defence Fund (EDF).
These programs aim to improve interoperability, foster innovation, and reduce reliance on external actors. However, the operationalisation of the mutual defence clause remains a crucial gap in the EU’s security architecture.
One potential avenue for progress is greater integration of cyber-resilience measures into the EU’s defence strategy. As cyberattacks become an increasingly prevalent form of warfare, ensuring robust defenses against such threats will be critical.
Similarly, enhancing military mobility—such as ensuring that troops and equipment can move quickly across borders—could significantly improve Europe’s readiness to respond to crises.
Collective Defence in a New Era
The discussions at the EDA conference highlight the pressing need for the EU to adapt its defense policies to a rapidly changing security environment. Refining Article 42.7 and establishing a clear division of labour among member states are essential steps in ensuring the bloc’s ability to respond effectively to potential conflicts.
As Europe navigates these challenges, closer cooperation with the United Kingdom and other partners could prove invaluable. The future of European security may depend on the bloc’s ability to forge new alliances, clarify its defence commitments, and build the capabilities needed to protect its citizens in an increasingly uncertain world.
General Brieger’s call to action is a timely reminder that the EU must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to operationalise its mutual defence clause. Only then can the bloc fulfill its promise of collective defence and contribute to a more secure Europe.
Main Image: U.S. Navy VFA-146 official website [1] photo [2], Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11845362
