High Representative Kaja Kallas has responded to a parliamentary question on Iran's attack on Cyprus by reiterating that the EU is ready to support any member state invoking the mutual defence clause, but stressed that the decision to activate Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union rests solely with the affected member state. The answer, delivered on behalf of the European Commission, underscores the EU's commitment to defending its members while deferring to national sovereignty on the matter.
The question was tabled by MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE) on 3 March 2026, following an Iranian strike on an air base in Cyprus, which also violated Cypriot airspace and threatened Greek Cypriot lives. The MEP pressed the High Representative on why Article 42(7) had not been activated, what measures would be taken to protect EU airspace, and what actions would demonstrate EU unity in the face of aggression.
Kallas's response does not announce any new concrete measures specific to the Cyprus attack. Instead, it points to existing EU defence initiatives, including the Security Action for Europe instrument with its EUR 150 billion defence loan scheme, the Preserving Peace Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 presented in October 2025, and the February 2026 Counter-Drone Action Plan. The answer also highlights the European Air Shield and European Drone Defence Initiative as flagship projects to bolster air and missile defence capabilities.
Policy orientation: The Commission's stance is one of solidarity without immediate escalation. By emphasising that Article 42(7) is a member state prerogative, Kallas avoids direct confrontation with Iran while signalling that the EU has tools ready if Cyprus requests assistance. The answer is largely declarative, reaffirming existing commitments rather than proposing new measures tailored to the incident.
Expected follow-up: No specific timeline is given. The ball is now in Cyprus's court to decide whether to invoke Article 42(7). The EU's defence initiatives are long-term, and the Counter-Drone Action Plan may see accelerated implementation in response to the attack.