European Union in Australia

This week marked a milestone for EU–Australia research and innovation cooperation with the 🇪🇺 and 🇦🇺 initialling the agreement for Australia’s association to Horizon Europe after the recent visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, the Hon Senator Tim Ayres, announced the initialling on Tuesday.

European Commission DDG Cristina Russo visited 🇦🇺 to mark the occasion and engage with research and innovation stakeholders in Canberra and Sydney.

📍 In Canberra, she debriefed EU Member State Ambassadors and attended an event at The Australian National University with the ANU Centre for European Studies which explored the new era of EU-Australia research cooperation.

📍 In Sydney, DDG Russo and Minister Ayres attended an event at the University of Sydney with The Group of Eight, where Minister Ayres delivered the keynote address.

A big thank you to all our partners, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, and Euraxess Australia and New Zealand, who are ready to assist Australian entities under the new status of association.

Horizon Europe opens the door to stronger collaboration between European and Australian universities, research institutes, innovators, and industry - creating new opportunities to tackle global challenges together.

Big step for EU–Australia cooperation 🇪🇺🤝🇦🇺

Today, 70 days following the visit of the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Australia, the 🇪🇺 and 🇦🇺 initialled the treaty for Australia’s association to Horizon Europe from 2027, connecting European and Australian researchers, innovators, and businesses in the world’s largest research and innovation funding program.

Together, we are strengthening innovation, resilience, and trusted international cooperation for the future.

Read more: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/australia/european-union-and-australia-successfully-conclude-horizon-europe-negotiations_en



European External Action Service - EEAS
Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Department of Industry, Science and Resources

EU Ambassador Gabriele Visentin and European Parliament rapporteur for Australia Željana Zovko discussed the importance of trusted partnerships during “A New Era of EU-Australia Partnership” at the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference and Exhibition.

The session highlighted the advancement of 🇪🇺-🇦🇺 relations after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Australia and the announcements on the EU–Australia FTA, Security and Defence Partnership, and Australia’s intention to associate to Horizon Europe from 2027.

Special thanks to Jennifer Parker for moderating the session.

Team Europe claims victory at the International CyberSecurity Challenge (ICC) for a fifth time! 🏆

Held this year on the Gold Coast 🇦🇺, the ICC, coordinated by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC), is more than a competition. It is a global platform to raise awareness, build skills and foster international cooperation.

Cybersecurity is a core pillar of shared security, including under the EU-Australia Security and Defence Partnership, and Team Europe’s success shows the talent and teamwork needed to tackle cross-border cyber threats and strengthen our collective resilience.

Congratulations, Team Europe!

Music connects across oceans, cultures and communities. 🌊✨

For the third consecutive year, the European Union Delegation to Australia sponsored an 🇪🇺 concert, with the opening night of "Sea and Stars" featuring Debussy's La Mer, performed by Canberra Symphony Orchestra, celebrating our connections, creativity and shared humanity.

Thank you to CSO, the talented performers, and everyone who attended.

Next week at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference and Exhibition, Ambassador Gabriele Visentin will be joined by Member of the European Parliament Željana Zovko and moderator Jennifer Parker as they explore the growing cooperation between the 🇪🇺 and 🇦🇺 across defence, security, and strategic industries.

🔗 https://iods.com.au/event-detail/738/

This week, Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defence, Benedikta von Seherr-Thoß, visited Australia as part of the implementation of the 🇪🇺–🇦🇺 Security and Defence Partnership.

Von Seherr-Thoß co-chaired the first high-level Security and Defence Dialogue with the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and debriefed Member States, engaged with academia and industry at a roundtable hosted by Australian Strategic Policy Institute, and joined the Stop the World podcast to discuss key security and defence challenges.

European External Action Service - EEAS
European Australian Business Council

Diversity is the bedrock of democracy.

Today, the EU and Member State Heads of Mission were joined by Benedikta von Seherr-Thoß, MD for Peace, Security and Defence, in support of and the right of all to live safely, openly, and authentically.

The 🇪🇺 stands with LGBTIQ+ communities everywhere. 🏳️‍🌈

EU & Member State Deputy Heads of Mission visited South Australia to explore the state’s growing security and defence ecosystem and opportunities to strengthen 🇪🇺–🇦🇺 cooperation.

They met with government, industry and research partners, including during an EU Industry Roundtable hosted by Defence and Security Institute at Adelaide University.

Thank you to Minister for Defence and Space Industries of South Australia Chris Picton MP, Member of the Legislative Council Reggie Martin, Parliament of South Australia, Australian Institute of International Affairs - South Australia, and to all partners.

Magyarország Nagykövetsége, Canberra / Embassy of Hungary, Canberra Netherlands Embassy and Consulate General in Australia Embassy of Denmark in Australia Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Canberra Polish Embassy in Australia Embajada de España en Australia Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Australia and New Zealand High Commission of Malta in Australia High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia Embassy of Ireland, Canberra Embassy of Italy in Australia Lietuvos ambasada Australijoje / Embassy of Lithuania in Australia