French President Emmanuel Macron held a press conference after meeting with the Greek Prime Minister in Athens, saying that greater unity of the European Union and strengthening of European security policy is necessary.
During his address, Macron emphasized that the clause on mutual assistance among EU member states in the event of an attack leaves no room for doubt.
“For Greece and France, Article 42.7 of the EU treaty is as solid as a rock, which means it is an obligation,” the French president said at a press conference.
His words were followed up by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who said: “Reinforced concrete.”
Macron added that all the elements of that part of the European contract are clearly defined.
“I don’t believe that today there is a need to change or modify the treaties. They are very clear. It is simply necessary first to continue strengthening the defense and security of all our countries, and then move towards a more sovereign Europe that we want,” Emmanuel Macron said during the second day of his visit to Greece.
According to him, Article 42.7 represents a strong mechanism of solidarity among member states, which in some aspects can be stronger than Article 5 of NATO, especially when it comes to the obligation of mutual assistance.
“It foresees solidarity between member states, but leaves no room for negotiations. We have a contract clause that is stronger than Article 5 of the NATO alliance,” Macron emphasized.
(Vijesti.ba)
