Australia and the European Union (EU) have committed to expanding their partnership across security, economic, and environmental priorities following the 7th Australia-EU Joint Committee Meeting in Canberra. Building on momentum from recent leader-level engagement, both sides underscored the deepening alignment of their interests amid an increasingly complex global environment.

In the joint press statement, Australia and the EU highlighted their shared commitment to address global security and economic challenges, drawing a direct link between stability in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions. The two parties reaffirmed support for Ukraine and pledged to work together in upholding the multilateral rules-based system and the rule of law.

Trade and economic cooperation emerged as core themes, with both sides recognising the World Trade Organization (WTO) as essential for stability and prosperity. Australia and the EU agreed on the need for meaningful reforms to the WTO, noting the critical importance of economic security in the current geopolitical context.

Ahead of COP30 [a global climate conference], climate action featured prominently, with commitments to accelerate the global clean energy transition and step up cooperation on sustainable development, especially in the Pacific. Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief also remain areas of shared focus.

The Joint Committee will reconvene in Brussels in 2026, as both Australia and the EU seek to further consolidate their partnership amid evolving global challenges.