Story perspectives

Von der Leyen Urges Europe to Activate Mutual Defense Clause

2/14/2026

Center

Von der Leyen Advocates Defense

Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, urged at Munich to activate Article 42.7's mutual defense clause.
She said mutual defense is an obligation, not an option.
She challenged NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's claim that Europe cannot defend itself without U.S. support.
She argued Europe must strengthen defense capabilities while acknowledging reliance on NATO.
She called for faster decision-making and collaboration with partners like the United Kingdom.

Right

Frederiksen Urges Unity

At the Munich Security Conference, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the Greenland-U.S. crisis remains unresolved.
She urged Europe to adopt an "emergency mentality" while pledging a strong U.S. relationship.
Frederiksen praised European unity in response to past pressures from President Donald Trump.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, urged reforms by the United Nations (UN) in international law to address emerging crises.

History

Historical Context

The Lisbon Treaty, enacted in 2009, introduced Article 42.7, allowing EU member states to invoke mutual defense obligations. This clause gained prominence amid rising tensions during the Trump administration, which strained transatlantic relations. Strengthening EU defense capabilities could reshape global security dynamics, fostering greater European autonomy and reducing reliance on NATO, particularly in light of recent conflicts such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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Von der Leyen Advocates Defense

Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, urged at Munich to activate Article 42.7's mutual defense clause.
She said mutual defense is an obligation, not an option.
She challenged NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's claim that Europe cannot defend itself without U.S. support.
She argued Europe must strengthen defense capabilities while acknowledging reliance on NATO.
She called for faster decision-making and collaboration with partners like the United Kingdom.

1 / 3