Australia and the European Union have agreed to begin official negotiations on a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP), which represents a significant step forward in their bilateral relations. The declaration came at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Alberta, Canada, following a meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The proposed SDP will establish a formal framework for improved cooperation in critical sectors such as cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, defence industry collaboration, and marine and space security. It is designed to handle global security issues without requiring any military deployment commitments.
This relationship will be modelled on similar agreements the EU has with other countries, with an emphasis on countering hybrid threats, supporting disarmament, and protecting economic and strategic interests. It reflects a growing agreement between Australia and Europe to sustain a rules-based international order.
While the SDP talks are independent from the ongoing negotiations to finalise the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement, both indicate a strengthening of connections. The leaders reiterated their commitment to multilateralism and regional stability.
