Ireland urged to assist Cyprus if it invokes EU mutual defence clause

The RAF Akrotiri air base near Limassol was one of the sites in Cyprus hit by Iranian drones. The EU member could invoke Article 42.7 of the Lisbon Treaty. Picture: Petros Karadjias/AP

There are calls for Ireland to assist Cyprus if the country activates the EU’s mutual defence clause in response to continuing Iranian drone attacks.

Experts have said this is all the more important given that Ireland is likely to be calling on fellow EU states to assist it in providing security during Ireland’s presidency of the EU in the second half of 2026.