Asger Risom
Brussels looks to Canberra for closer military ties, citing shared values and growing insecurity in the global landscape.
As global tensions reshape alliances, the European Union is intensifying efforts to formalize new security partnerships—this time, with Australia.
In Rome on Sunday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and called for expanding strategic cooperation between the two.
“We consider you a strategic partner,” von der Leyen said, as captured in a video clip shared on social media.
“We would be very pleased if we could also develop such a partnership in matters of security and defense,” she added, referencing today’s mounting geopolitical risks.
A United Front on Ukraine
Prime Minister Albanese responded by reaffirming Australia’s commitment to Ukraine and its alignment with European values. “We will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine,” he said. “We also share common values, which, in today’s uncertain world, is very important.”
The conversation took place on the sidelines of the inauguration mass for Pope Leon XIV, attended by global leaders.
Expanding the Security Perimeter
The EU’s push for a deeper relationship with Canberra comes amid concerns that the United States, under Donald Trump’s administration, may scale back its commitments to Europe.
Seeking greater autonomy, the EU has also reached out to countries like India and signed defense pacts with Japan and South Korea—partners outside the bloc’s traditional security sphere.
As reported by Digi24, Brussels aims to adapt its global strategy by reinforcing bonds with like-minded democracies, with Australia now firmly in focus.