European Union in Australia

23/10/2026

Yesterday proved how important strong partnerships are to strengthening security and resilience.

With The Australian National University National Security College, we welcomed more than 175 European and Australian security and defence stakeholders to the Road to Schuman Security and Defence Forum 2026 at the Australian Parliament House.

At a pivotal moment in EU-Australia relations, following the signing of the EU-Australia Security and Defence Partnership, the forum explored how closer cooperation can strengthen collective security and resilience.

🇫🇮 Finland’s Minister of Defence, His Excellency Antti Häkkänen, delivered the keynote address, sharing insights from Finland’s experience in comprehensive security and preparedness, and highlighting the importance of cooperation between like-minded partners.

A panel of Australian and European defence and security experts discussed technological advancements, collective security, and maritime cooperation.

The event was a lead-up to the third Schuman Security and Defence Forum, taking place in Brussels on 17–18 November and convened by EU High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

Thank you to Minister Häkkänen, our panellists, and all participants for an important exchange.

European External Action Service - EEAS Embassy of Finland in Australia - Suomen suurlähetystö Australia Suomen puolustusministeriö - Finlands försvarsministerium

22/10/2026

14/10/2026

280 students. 60 hours. 47 climate solutions.

Ahead of COP31, students across Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and the EU took on the region’s biggest climate challenges in Climate Hack-tion. Meet the winners 👇

🏆 Draki: named after the Fijian word for weather, it texts farmers which paddocks will flood and what to move first, using free Copernicus EU satellite data.

🥈 WasteWise: a game where kids join an Eco Crew and solve waste problems around their school.

💚 SweatShell: a biodegradable roof sheet made with eggshell and seaweed that cools buildings with no power, even in a blackout heatwave.

COP31 is a moment for our region, and the next generation is ready.

European Union in New Zealand
European Union in the Pacific

13/10/2026

🇫🇷🇦🇺 Girls Run the World – Embassy Takeover

This Thursday, the French Embassy in Canberra will welcome Sophia and Kirsten for a full day of immersion as part of the Girls Run the World embassy takeover program.

They’ll discover our work, our feminist diplomacy, and the diverse careers and paths of the women of the embassy.

We’re also looking forward to being challenged by their curiosity and questions!

💪🏻🦸🏼‍♀️👩🏼‍⚖️👩🏾‍💻🧕🏽👱🏻‍♀️👩🏼‍🎤👩🏻‍💼💪🏻

13/10/2026

Yesterday, 43 young women joined us at the EU Delegation for the launch of Girls Run the World.

Ambassador Lawrence Meredith welcomed the students before Ambassador Elisabeth Koegler 🇦🇹 , Ambassador Ingrid Dahl-Madsen 🇩🇰, Deputy Ambassador Doris Voorbraak 🇳🇱 and Head of Trade Joanna Pocztowska 🇪🇺 shared insights from their careers in a panel discussion, reflecting on the challenges they have faced and the importance of self-advocacy.

At Parliament House, journalists Clare Armstrong (ABC), Katina Curtis (Capital Brief) and Jane Norman (ABC) answered questions about covering federal politics, the changing media landscape and the impact of AI on journalism.

The students also went behind the scenes at the ABC and Nine News studios to discover how the news is made.

A big thank you to all the diplomats and journalists who shared their time and experiences!

12/10/2026

Methane contributes around 30% of global warming, ranking second only to carbon dioxide.

The EU’s Methane Strategy focuses on reducing methane emissions in the energy, agriculture and waste sectors. Zero waste and methane reduction will be on the table at COP31.

Students who participated in our Climate Hacktion hackathon came up with creative solutions to some of these challenges.

11/10/2026

The death penalty must end. Everywhere.

More than two-thirds of countries have abolished it in law or in practice. Yet the death penalty is still retained and used in parts of the world. In 2025, 17 countries are known to have carried out executions.

The EU opposes the death penalty in all cases and all circumstances and will continue working towards its universal abolition.

Read the full joint statement by HR/VP Kaja Kallas and the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe: https://link.europa.eu/pYPbpR

09/10/2026

Interested in research and innovation opportunities between Australia and Europe? Join the Horizon Europe Roadshow Australia 2026 webinar!

Following the successful conclusion of treaty negotiations for Australia’s association to Horizon Europe’s Pillar II programme, EURAXESS Australia and New Zealand and the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources are hosting a national webinar on 14 October 2026.

🇪🇺 Why participate?

Australia’s planned association with Horizon Europe will open up new opportunities for Australian researchers, universities, research organisations, industry and SMEs to collaborate with partners across Europe and beyond.

The webinar will explain the funding opportunities available and help Australian organisations prepare to participate from 1 January 2027, when Australian entities are expected to become eligible to apply for calls under the 2027 work programme.

📢 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how your organisation can get involved in one of the world’s leading research and innovation programmes!

👉 Find out more and register: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/worldwide/australia-nz/events/horizon-europe-roadshow-australia-2026-webinar

European Union in Australia

09/10/2026

From 2-4 October, students from across Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and the EU joined our Climate Hacktion hackathon to reimagine climate solutions ahead of COP31.

Tackling issues like electrification, waste and methane reduction, resilient cities and buildings, green industrialisation and education, they turned problems into opportunities.

Winners will be announced on 12 October. Stay tuned 🤫

European Union in New Zealand
European Union in the Pacific