The EU treaty’s ‘mutual defence clause’ was formally invoked by France during a 17 November meeting of EU defence ministers in reaction to the multiple terrorist attacks on 13 November against the French capital. Bilateral talks will take place immediately between France and its 27 EU partners to map out the assistance the latter will provide, said French defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
“This is a very strong act,” Le Drian told reporters in Brussels at a joint press conference with Federica Mogherini, the EU’s foreign and security policy chief, during the ministers’ meeting. “There are many types of assistance possible, whether in the Middle Eastern arena or elsewhere.
janes.com
