On 18 June, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to initiate discussions on establishing a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) at the forthcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit in Alberta, Canada. This Partnership is designed to create a framework for current and future collaboration in vital areas, including the defence industry, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism.
“In a time of rising tensions and strategic competition, trusted partners must stand together. 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,” said President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
The European Union has previously engaged in SDPs with other nations, focusing on various aspects such as cybersecurity, countering hybrid threats, maritime security, non-proliferation and disarmament, space security, and economic security. The primary objective of the SDP is to bolster cooperation in addressing global security challenges, while it does not entail obligations for military deployment.
The active discussions regarding the SDP with the EU, alongside renewed efforts to finalise an Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement, reflect the robust momentum in the Australian-European relationship.
“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. 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,” noted the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa.
It is essential to note that the negotiations for the SDP will proceed independently of the efforts to complete the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement, which remains a priority for advancing Australia’s national interests.
“We see how deeply connected Europe’s security and the Indo-Pacific region have become… This will open the door to joint defence procurement opportunities and will benefit both our industries and our security,” said Prime Minister Albanese.
