Von der Leyen presses EU to activate mutual defence clause

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on February 14 called on the European Union to bring to life its mutual defence clause anchored in the bloc’s founding treaty.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, von der Leyen underscored that collective defence is a binding commitment under EU law, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

"Mutual defence is not an optional task for the European Union. It is an obligation within our own treaty," von der Leyen said in a speech at the conference. "It is our collective commitment to stand by each other in case of aggression, or in simple terms: one for all and all for one. And this is Europe's meaning."

Her remarks echoed growing calls within the European Parliament to ensure that Article 42.7 — the EU’s mutual defence clause — is implemented in practical terms.

In January 2026, Member of the European Parliament Thijs Reuten noted that Article 42.7 should work in practice and not remain symbolic. A recent report on EU foreign policy, security and defence also emphasised that the Union must be prepared for autonomous defence action based on this article.

By Sabina Mammadli