Geography places the European Union and Australia on opposite sides of the world — and today’s challenges can make that distance feel even greater. That is the foundational principle of the European Union and it also defines our relationship with Australia. Today, European investors in Australia face higher screening thresholds than their Asian competitors. Ursula von der Leyen: 'The EU-Australia Security and Defence Partnership. In this evolving landscape, the European Union stands out as a stable and reliable partner.

Source: Irish Examiner March 23, 2026 15:35 UTC