Nicosia, April 24 (QNA) - The European Union has tasked its institutions with developing a practical framework to activate the mutual defense clause in its treaties, aiming to strengthen crisis response capabilities.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said during an informal EU summit that Europe needs clear mechanisms to implement the clause amid evolving global threats.

Discussions highlighted key questions over execution, including the type of support, responsible bodies, and coordination among member states.

The move is based on Article 42(7) of the EU Treaty, which obliges members to assist any state facing armed aggression, though it lacks detailed implementation mechanisms compared to NATO.

Talks also addressed responses to hybrid threats and the need to align EU defense measures with NATO's collective defense framework. The summit focused on geopolitical challenges, including the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, energy security, and freedom of navigation. (QNA)