Editing Treaty on European Union (section)

===Title V: General provisions on the Union's external action===
Chapter 1 of this title includes articles 21 and 22. Article 21 deals with the principles that outline EU foreign policy; including compliance with the [[UN charter]], promoting global trade, humanitarian support and global governance. Article 22 gives the European Council, acting unanimously, control over defining the EU's foreign policy.

Chapter 2 is further divided into sections. The first, common provisions, details the guidelines and functioning of the EU's foreign policy, including establishment of the [[European External Action Service]] and member state's responsibilities. Section 2, articles 42 to 46, deal with military co-operation (including mutual defence).

On 17 November 2015, France called other member states for military assistance, on the basis of the Article 42.<ref name="dw17.11.2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.dw.com/en/eu-backs-french-appeal-for-military-assistance-as-fight-ramps-up-against-islamic-state/a-18854826|title=EU backs French appeal for military assistance as fight ramps up against 'Islamic State' - News - DW - 17.11.2015|website=DW.COM}}</ref> This was the first time the article had ever been applied and all of the member states were reported to respond in agreement.<ref name="dw17.11.2015"/> However at least one member state (Finland) made a conclusion that due to conflicting national law, military assistance was excluded.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/uutiset/a/2015111720681962|title=Pääministeri Sipilä: Suomi auttaa Ranskaa "käytettävissä olevin keinoin"|website=www.iltalehti.fi}}</ref>