Rome-The European Union has broached the possibility of a security agreement with Australia, coinciding with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s diplomatic engagements in Rome. These meetings included a brief exchange with Pope Leo XIV following the pontiff’s inauguration mass at the Vatican.

Strategic Partnership on the Horizon?

Mr. Albanese’s discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the Italian capital centered on Australia’s potential role in fostering stability in what she termed today’s uncertain world. Ms. Von der Leyen indicated the EU’s desire to broaden this strategic partnership, specifically mentioning defense and security cooperation.

We are predictable, we share the same values as you just said. So we can offer to each other stability and we’re very grateful for that.And this is the reason also that we do not only see you as a trading partner, but we see you as a strategic partner, and we would very much like to broaden this strategic partnership.
Ursula von der Leyen, European commission President

She further elaborated, We would be very pleased if we could develop such a security and defence partnership too, just to broaden the strategic partnership in many topics that we have in common.

Albanese’s Cautious Response

While expressing openness to considering the proposal,Mr. Albanese adopted a measured tone. The potential pact could encompass joint military exercises and collaborative efforts in areas of shared interest.

we said that we were certainly interested in any further engagement of support. But it’s very early stages at this point.
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia

He added, So we should imagine that future discussions may take place either at Nato or on a bilateral basis between Australia and the European Union.

Support for Ukraine Reaffirmed

In a separate meeting, Mr.Albanese reiterated Australia’s commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression during discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He also restated his willingness to consider sending peacekeeping troops as part of a coalition of the willing if a peace process emerges.

Other Diplomatic Engagements

Mr. Albanese’s visit to Rome also included meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, among other world leaders who gathered for Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass. He noted that a meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance did not occur due to Mr. Vance’s late arrival.

Following the mass, Mr. Albanese shared a personal moment with Pope Leo XIV, discussing his late mother. I spoke to him about my mother who would be, I’m sure, looking down from Heaven with the biggest smile she’s every had, he told reporters.

Mr. Albanese, who was raised Catholic, often speaks of his mother’s influence on his life.

Trade Agreement Hurdles

Australia is currently pursuing a free-trade agreement with the EU,though negotiations have faced challenges.

Federal frontbencher Tanya Plibersek acknowledged the sticking points, particularly concerning geographical indications.

There’s about a thousand names that the European Union wants to restrict the use of, and they are parmesan, fetta, prosecco, a whole lot of names of food that are related to the place where they come from.
Tanya plibersek,Federal Frontbencher

She emphasized the importance of securing a beneficial agreement for Australia: But we would say that the parmesan made in Australia is world’s best and we want to make sure that any free-trade agreement with the European Union is a clear advantage for Australia. We’ll continue to work through it.

A successful trade agreement would grant Australian goods and services access to a market of over 400 million people. In 2022/2023, the EU was Australia’s third-largest two-way trading partner, the sixth-largest export destination, and the third-largest services export market, with two-way trade valued at approximately $110 billion.