EU and Australia committed to Security and Defence Partnership

Brussels and Australia are set to initiate negotiations on a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Alberta, Canada.

The SDP provides a framework for current and future cooperation in the defense industry, as well as cyber terrorism and counter-terrorism. Other fields in which SDP partners join forces include maritime security, non-proliferation and disarmament, space security, economic security, and hybrid threats.

The goal of a Security and Defence Partnership is to strengthen cooperation on global security challenges with like-minded partners. SDPs are legally non-binding instruments that provide tailor-made and mutually beneficial frameworks for boosting the EU’s political and practical cooperation with its partners. SDPs don’t contain any military deployment obligations.

During the G7 Summit in Alberta, Canada, following a meeting between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, it was decided to launch negotiations for a Security and Defence Partnership.

“This will open the door to joint defense procurement opportunities and will benefit both our industries and our security. At a time of global uncertainty, it is our collective responsibility to work together to uphold peace, security, and economic prosperity,” Prime Minister Albanese said in a statement.

“In a time of rising tensions and strategic competition, trusted partners must stand together. Europe and Australia's enduring friendship enters a new chapter today,” European Commission President Von der Leyen commented.

The EU already has Security and Defence Partnerships with seven other countries, including Albania, Japan, Moldova, North Macedonia, Norway, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.