The European Union is looking to strengthen defense ties with Australia in the face of global instability. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the idea to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a meeting in Rome yesterday. Von der Leyen emphasized the importance of matching the EU’s defense partnerships with other nations, citing the current geopolitical tensions and the need for reliable and predictable allies.
Meeting in Rome
In a meeting following the inauguration mass for Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese discussed the potential for deeper defense links between the European Union and Australia. Von der Leyen highlighted the deteriorating global security situation and stressed the shared values and stability that Australia and Europe could offer each other. The EU, consisting of 27 nations and 449 million people, already has defense agreements in place with countries like Japan and South Korea, and is seeking to expand these partnerships to include Australia.
Cautious Response
While Prime Minister Albanese expressed interest in further engagement and support from the EU, he also noted that it was still early stages in the discussion. The federal government of Australia remains open to the idea of a defense partnership with the EU, but Albanese emphasized the need for careful consideration before moving forward. In addition to the meeting with von der Leyen, Albanese also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome to discuss continued Australian aid against Russia, including the delivery of Abrams tanks. The discussions in Rome underscored the evolving dynamics of global security and the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing shared challenges.