Meeting of Defence Ministers in Brussels: All Member States to Provide Assistance to France

Gathered in Brussels at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council chaired by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU, Federica Mogherini, the defence ministers of the European Union member states unanimously supported the request for support and assistance to France, following the attacks in Paris, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

- Today, France asked for the support and assistance of the whole of Europe. And today, the whole of Europe, united, answered 'yes', - Mogherini told the media, together with the French Minister of Defence Jean-Yves Le Drian.

- France requested assistance and support based on Article 42.7 of the Treaty. Today, the European Union, with the votes of all defence ministers of the member states, unanimously expressed its strongest support and readiness to provide the necessary assistance - said the High Representative.

This is the first time a member state has requested assistance based on Article 42.7 of the Treaty, which states: "If a Member State is the victim of armed aggression on its territory, the other Member States shall have an individual and collective duty to help it by all the means in their power, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. This shall in no way prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States."

- Many ministers today have already offered support in terms of material assistance, as well as in some other areas, which would further free up French capacities. France will be in contact with the member states on a bilateral level in the coming hours and days to define the support it needs. And the European Union will ensure the greatest effectiveness in our common response - Mogherini emphasized.

- This does not imply a mission or operation within the framework of the EU's common security and defence policy. It is a call for bilateral assistance and support, and the EU can coordinate this to the extent that it is useful and necessary.

French Minister Le Drian added:

- My colleagues expressed great sympathy and affection. Many of them said it in French. I also appreciate the statement of all of them that not only France was attacked, but Europe, and that we are all French at this moment.