EU leaders agree blueprint for mutual assistance pact amid Trump's criticism of very disappointing Nato'

"EU leaders have agreed that the European Commission will prepare a blueprint on how the bloc will respond if the mutual assistance clause is triggered, according to Nikos Christodoulides, the president of Cyprus."

"The mutual assistance clause puts on member states an obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power if a fellow country is attacked by a foreign government or non-state actor."

"The lack of detail in the EU treaty on article 42.7 was previously seen as a strength, enabling a flexible response, but member states now feel uncertain about how it would work."

Brussels officials are set to develop a plan for the EU's mutual assistance pact in light of increasing NATO tensions, particularly due to Donald Trump's criticisms. EU leaders have agreed on a blueprint for responding if the mutual assistance clause is activated. The clause obligates member states to assist each other in the event of an attack. France previously invoked this clause after the 2015 Paris attacks. Current discussions reflect concerns about the lack of clarity in the treaty regarding the clause's implementation.

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