While announcing the conclusion of negotiations on the Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement in Canberra today (24 March), Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen have welcomed a new defence partnership.
According to a joint statement by the two leaders, the Australia–European Union Security and Defence Partnership will provide “a framework for enhanced cooperation on shared security challenges, including defence industry cooperation, cyber and economic security, and counterterrorism”.
“The partnership will strengthen shared resilience and deepen practical collaboration, building on existing ties between Australian and European industries and institutions,” the pair said.
Albanese and von der Leyen also said Australia will enter into negotiations to associate with the EU’s research and innovation program, Horizon Europe, from 2027.
“Cooperation under Horizon Europe would support collaboration on shared priorities, including critical and emerging technologies and climate and energy research, creating opportunities for Australian and European research and benefits for each economy,” the pair said.
“These pillars of cooperation recognise the value of a strong Australia–European Union partnership in addressing shared global challenges and supporting prosperity and security and allow for deepened engagement between Australia and the European Union.”
Speaking to the press, Albanese said the defence partnership lays the foundation for the EU’s and Australia’s “future prosperity, resilience, security and stability”.
“Right now, we’re all dealing with the challenges thrown up by the conflict in the Middle East and Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine, which has brought war to the very edge of the European Union,” Albanese said, while also addressing von der Leyen.
“Every global shock underscores the importance of the second milestone moment in your visit, the signing of the new Australia–EU Security and Defence Partnership.”
Professor Robyn Ward AM, senior vice president of Monash University, welcomed the announcements.
“Today’s historic announcement about the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement, the establishment of an Australia–EU Security and Defence Partnership, and progress towards Australia’s association with Horizon Europe represent a major strengthening of Australia’s partnership with Europe,” Ward said.
“For Monash University, these outcomes will deepen our engagement with Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem and enhance our capacity to deliver globally impactful research, education, and collaboration in support of shared economic prosperity.”
Writing for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), however, ASPI Senior Fellow and Europe director Bart Hogeveen offered a more clear-eyed assessment.
“The partnership represents a significant step in EU–Australia relations, elevating cooperation beyond its traditional focus on trade and investment,” Hogeveen said in a just-released report, ‘The EU–Australia security and defence agreement: Not a pact but a partnership’.
“However, as with previous EU–Australia initiatives, its value will ultimately depend on whether it delivers concrete outcomes rather than remaining a largely declaratory framework.”
David Hollingworth
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.