EU deal boosts Australian defence and science alliances
Australia and Europe will step up cooperation in defence, security and scientific research as part of long-awaited agreements alongside a new trade agreement.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has become the first female world leader to address the Australian parliament, urging governments to come together to confront a new era of global threats.
“Today’s world shows that security threats are no longer limited by distance, but are enabled by technology,” he said.
“Malicious actors can reach our borders without ever leaving their own. Europe, like Australia, does not choose how threats come to us, but we all suffer the consequences.”
While much of the focus has been on the landmark Australia-Europe free trade agreement, Ms von der Leyen and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have also signed other agreements on defense and research cooperation.
Officials have not yet revealed exactly what the new defense agreement will include, but it will likely include more frequent joint exercises between Australia and European countries and greater cooperation on cybersecurity.
Government sources say the agreement is not on par with the recently signed agreement with Papua New Guinea, which stipulates that both countries will come to the other’s aid in the event of attack.
Australia will also sign up to Horizon Europe, the EU’s $155 billion research and innovation programme, to support scientific cooperation.
Mr Albanese said once Australia officially joined, companies would likely be able to access funding and guidance from world-class researchers from 2027.
“This is the largest research organization in the world, bar none,” he told reporters after announcing the deal.
“Our new commitments reflect our shared commitment to security and prosperity and our shared understanding that each depends on the other.”
Ms von der Leyen added that the agreement would deepen long-standing research cooperation between the two parties.
“This will connect our brightest minds with long-term, well-funded programs so they can work together to produce the ideas and products our society needs,” he said.
Australian universities supported the move, declaring it would strengthen local research and create critical industries.
“In a more uncertain and competitive global environment, strong international partnerships are more important than ever to protect Australia’s interests and keep us at the forefront of discovery,” Universities Australia chief executive Luke Sheehy said in a statement. he said.
