Former President Donald Trump's foreign policy has created a renewed sense of uncertainty in Europe, prompting discussions about the European Union's mutual defense clause, which is outlined in Article 42.7 of the Lisbon Treaty. This article serves as a potential European counterpart to NATO's Article 5, highlighting the obligation of EU member states to assist one another in the event of an armed attack.

At last weekend's Munich Security Conference, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reminded attendees of this important commitment, suggesting that some may have forgotten its significance. He emphasized that under Article 42.7, if a member state is subjected to armed aggression on its territory, the other member states are obliged to help and assist by all available means as stipulated in the United Nations Charter, Article 51.

As Europe grapples with its security challenges and the shifting dynamics of American foreign policy, the revival of Article 42.7 indicates a potential pivot towards greater European unity and self-reliance in defense matters. This discussion could have significant implications for transatlantic relations and the future of NATO, particularly if European nations begin to seek more autonomy in their security strategies.