Foreign Affairs/Defence Council - The Luxembourg Presidency stands with France offering assistance and solidarity
During the 'Foreign Affairs' Council of the EU in the defence formation held in Brussels on 17 November 2015, the French Minister for Defence, Jean-Yves Le Drian, invoked the mutual assistance clause (Article 42(7) of the Treaty of Lisbon), which stipulates that in the event of an armed aggression against one of the Member States, the other 'Member States shall have towards it an obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power'.
During his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence Étienne Schneider declared on behalf of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council: 'Alongside individual and coalition military action against Daesh (IS), which is responsible for these attacks, the European Union must continue to work together to find a political solution, and we must continue to support stronger security systems in friendly countries in the region. The Luxembourg Presidency and Luxembourg stand with and will continue to stand with our French neighbours and friends, offering assistance and solidarity in this time of hardship for their nation. We must not fall into the trap set by Daesh (IS) which seeks to lead us to alienate Muslims in our societies.'
Press release from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence Directorate
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