Australia and EU explore strategic security pact amid trade talks and diplomatic engagements in Rome

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, according to The Guardian of Monday, May 19, 2025, engaged in critical discussions on security with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

During the discussion, the prospect of a new security and defense partnership between Australia and the European Union (EU) was prominently featured.

This potential agreement reflects a likely growing interest in strengthening international alliances amid heightened global uncertainty and shifting geopolitical landscapes.

In her remarks ahead of the meeting, von der Leyen emphasized the importance of reinforcing ties between the EU and Australia.

He highlighted shared values, democratic principles, and global stability.

“We are predictable, we share the same values as you just said,” she told Albanese.

“So we can offer to each other stability … and we would very much like to broaden this strategic partnership.”

She noted that the EU sees Australia not only as an economic partner but also as a strategic ally in defense and security.

She suggested that the partnership could evolve to include joint military exercises and broader cooperation in defense matters.

While Albanese expressed interest in the proposal, he approached the matter cautiously.

Speaking after the meeting, the Prime Minister said, “We said that we were certainly interested in any further engagement of support.

“But it’s very early stages at this point.”

He added that future discussions might take place through NATO channels or as bilateral negotiations between Australia and the EU, indicating that the framework and scope of such a partnership remain under consideration.

In a separate bilateral conversation, Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s steadfast support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

In a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Albanese reiterated Australia’s willingness to play a meaningful role in any potential peace process.

This includes a contribution to an international peacekeeping coalition if one is formed.

This continues Australia’s vocal diplomatic backing of Ukraine and reinforces its broader commitment to global peace and security.

Albanese’s visit to Rome also coincided with the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

Alongside other global leaders, the Australian Prime Minister attended the pontiff’s inauguration mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Following the service, Albanese had a brief and personal exchange with the Pope.

Reflecting on his upbringing, he shared with reporters that he spoke to the Pope about his late mother, who had a profound influence on his life.

“I spoke to him about my mother who would be, I’m sure, looking down from Heaven with the biggest smile she’s ever had,” he said.

Albanese, who was raised Catholic by a single mother in a public housing estate in Sydney, frequently acknowledged the formative role she played in his life and values.

His presence at the Vatican symbolized both personal faith and diplomatic goodwill.

It marked a moment of reflection during an otherwise policy-focused visit.

On the economic front, trade negotiations between Australia and the EU remain ongoing, with key sticking points still unresolved.

A primary hurdle in the discussions concerns geographical indications—product naming rights for items such as “feta,” “parmesan,” and “prosecco.”

The EU wants to restrict the use of these names to products originating from specific European regions.

However, Australian producers argue that such terms have become generic and widely used globally.

Federal Trade Minister Don Farrell acknowledged the challenge.

He said that while the EU’s concerns are understood, Australia remains committed to ensuring any agreement brings clear advantages to its economy.

“There’s about a thousand names that the European Union wants to restrict the use of,” he explained, noting that Australian-made versions of these products are of high quality and well-recognized.

A free trade agreement would significantly enhance Australia’s access to the EU market, which comprises over 400 million consumers.

In the 2022–2023 period, the EU was Australia’s third-largest two-way trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at approximately $110 billion.

The agreement would further deepen economic ties, fostering growth in exports and services.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Albanese’s visit to Rome has supposedly spotlighted several significant developments in Australia’s foreign policy.

From exploring new security alliances to reinforcing support for Ukraine and continuing complex trade talks, the trip underscored Australia’s active engagement on the global stage.

As discussions progress, both the security partnership and the trade agreement with the EU could shape the future trajectory of Australia’s strategic and economic relationships in Europe.