Australia and EU to begin defence talks and pursue a trade deal

Australia is set to begin negotiations on a new security and defence partnership with the European Union, while also pushing for a long-anticipated trade agreement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced at the G7 summit.

The agreement, discussed during his meetings with EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa at the G7 summit, would focus on areas such as defence industry collaboration, cyber security, and counter-terrorism, without including military deployment commitments.

Albanese emphasized that the agreement would strengthen cooperation and enable potential joint defence procurement, underlining growing security ties between Europe and the Indo-Pacific. EU officials have clarified that the arrangement would not constitute a military alliance, similar to existing partnerships with Japan and South Korea.

"We see this as an important framework for our current and future cooperation in areas like defence industry, cyber and counter-terrorism," he said.

Albanese also expressed optimism about the resumption of negotiations on a free trade agreement with the EU. He noted that around half of the pending issues have been resolved, but highlighted Australia's interest in expanded market access for its beef and sheep exports.

"Both of us emphasised that at this time it's the substance that's important. But it's also symbolically important to see an outcome of an expansion of trade," the Australian Prime Minister announced.

On the sidelines of the summit, Albanese also held discussions with senior U.S. trade officials following the early departure of President Donald Trump, which led to the cancellation of their scheduled meeting. Australia has been advocating for the removal of U.S. tariffs, emphasizing its rich supply of critical minerals.

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