European military leaders want clearer action on a key part of the EU Treaty to help Europe defend itself better. At a recent meeting, Austrian General Robert Brieger, who leads the EU Military Committee, said Europe needs a strong and clear defence plan. This plan must work well with NATO, the main military alliance.

What is Article 42.7 and Why Does it Matter?

Article 42.7 is a rule in the EU Treaty. It says if one EU country is attacked, the other countries must help. But this rule is not as strong as NATO’s Article 5, which promises all members will come to each other’s defence. Since the Paris terror attacks in November 2015, EU countries have only used Article 42.7 once.

General Brieger said it is time to make Article 42.7 more useful. He pointed out that the United States is now focusing more on the Asia-Pacific region. Because of this, Europe must take more charge of its own defence. Leaders need to make it clear how the EU’s defence efforts will work with NATO’s. The goal is to avoid overlap and ensure both groups support each other well.

Focus on Military Mobility and Protecting Key Infrastructure

General Brieger highlighted two big areas that need work. The first is military mobility — the ability to move troops and equipment quickly across Europe. This means improving roads, bridges, and transport to handle heavy military vehicles fast.

The second area is protecting critical infrastructure like power plants and communication networks. This is very important as cyber threats increase. Europe must be ready to defend these vital assets from attacks.

EU’s Push for Better Cross-Border Military Cooperation

Brussels is working hard to make it easier for EU armies to operate together. The plan includes upgrading military infrastructure across member countries. Better cooperation will help troops move faster and work as one force.

In March, the EU released a White Paper on Defence. It lists key goals such as boosting military mobility, improving air and missile defence, strengthening artillery, and building cyber defence skills.

General Brieger also said the EU has more tools than NATO in some ways. These include political influence and economic power. He suggested using these tools together to support Europe’s defence in all areas.

One idea is to get member states to share military orders. This could lower costs and make systems across countries work better together. The EU hopes this will help it rely less on military suppliers outside Europe.

New technology like drones, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and counter-drone systems are also top priorities. These are needed to keep Europe safe in modern times.

Huge EU Defence Investment Plan Nears Launch

Brussels is preparing a large fund of up to €800 billion over four years. This money will support defence spending and joint projects among EU countries.

The plan will offer loans up to €150 billion to countries that buy European-made military gear and focus on key technologies. Officials hope to finish the plan by the end of this month and start payments by late 2025.

In June, EU leaders will meet to review the main defence projects under this plan. Their meeting will follow a NATO summit in The Hague, where new defence spending goals will be set.

Europe Faces Serious and Complex Threats

General Brieger warned Europe faces many threats that are serious and connected. These include traditional military dangers, cyberattacks, and hybrid warfare. He called for unity, more resources, and clear plans to build a strong, credible Europe.

Why This Matters for Europe and Beyond

Europe’s move to strengthen its defence shows how much the world is changing. Rising tensions near Europe’s borders and new global power shifts make security more important.

By improving military cooperation, sharing resources, and investing in new technology, the EU wants to become stronger and more independent. This will help Europe protect its people better and play a bigger role in global security.

The EU’s defence efforts will work alongside NATO, not replace it. Together, they can keep Europe safe in a changing world.