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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has begun negotiations on a security and defence partnership with the European Union.
PM Albanese met with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Alberta, Canada.
The partnership will provide a framework for current and future cooperation, including in areas such as defence industry, cyber and counter-terrorism.
Existing security and defence partnerships (SDP) that the EU has with other countries include cooperation on cyber, countering hybrid threats, maritime security, non-proliferation and disarmament, space and economic security.
“I am pleased to announce we’re stepping up our cooperation with the European Union today,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
“We see how deeply connected Europe’s security and the Indo-Pacific region have become.
“I very much welcome the EU’s offer for a security and defence partnership and Australia will warmly take it up and commence work immediately.
“This will open the door to joint defence procurement opportunities and will benefit both our industries and our security.
“At a time of global uncertainty, it is our collective responsibility to work together to uphold peace, security and economic prosperity.
“That is what I will continue to do every day and that has been a key take out of our work here at the G7 today.”
A security and defence partnership aims to strengthen cooperation on global security challenges. It does not have military deployment obligations.
Discussions on an SDP with the EU and renewed engagement to conclude an Australia–EU free trade agreement demonstrate strong momentum in the Australia–Europe relationship.
“In a time of rising tensions and strategic competition, trusted partners must stand together,” von der Leyen said.
“Europe and Australia’s enduring friendship enters a new chapter today.
“Recognising the shared security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific, we are launching talks on a security and defence partnership.
“We’re also committed to advancing free trade negotiations – because economic security matters too.”
Negotiation of an SDP will remain separate to efforts to conclude an Australia–EU free trade agreement that we are focused on taking forward in Australia’s national interest.
“Australia is an important partner for the European Union. We share the same values and a strong commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based global order,” Costa said.
“Europe’s and the Indo-Pacific’s regions are connected. Opening negotiations on a security and defence partnership opens new opportunities to further strengthen our cooperation.”
