Europe and Australia commit to Security and Defence Partnership

European Commission - Statement Europe and Australia commit to Security and Defence Partnership Kananaskis, 18 June 2025 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today and agreed to start negotiations on a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) 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 SDPs the EU has with other countries include cooperation on cyber, countering hybrid threats, maritime security, non-proliferation and disarmament, space and economic security. A Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) 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 Australian - Europe relationship. Negotiation of an SDP will remain separate to efforts to conclude an Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement that we are focussed on taking forward in Australia's national interest. Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese: “I am pleased to announce we're stepping up our cooperation with the European Union today. “We see how deeply connected Europe's security and the Indo-Pacific region have become. “I very much welcome the EU's...