Visit to Australia by the President of the European Commission

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Ursula von der Leyen smiling and leaning toward a koala sitting in a eucalyptus tree at Taronga Zoo.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen visited Australia this week, meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to strengthen ties between Australia and the European Union.

The EU is a key partner for Australia in a changing global environment. During the visit, we:

  1. secured the landmark Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement – opening up a market of 450 million people, supporting businesses, creating jobs, and helping to lower costs 
  2. announced a new Australia–EU Security and Defence Partnership – strengthening our national security, boosting cooperation on cyber and emerging threats, and creating new opportunities for Australian industry
  3. progressed Australia’s association with Horizon Europe – a $155 billion research and innovation program that will connect Australian researchers and businesses with global partners, supporting jobs and future industries.

Together, these outcomes mark a significant step forward in our relationship – supporting Australia’s security, growing our economy, and investing in innovation. Ms von der Leyen also addressed Parliament, the first woman international leader to do so. 

Australia and the EU have an enduring relationship built on trust, shared values, and a commitment to a more secure and prosperous future.

Ursula von der Leyen smiling and leaning toward a koala sitting in a eucalyptus tree at Taronga Zoo.
Ursula von der Leyen crouching and feeding leaves to a kangaroo while a zoo staff member stands nearby in a sunlit enclosure.
Ursula von der Leyen crouching and smiling as she looks at two echidnas on the ground in a naturalistic zoo setting.
Ursula von der Leyen in a blue blazer walks through a corridor lined with Australian and European Union flags inside Parliament House, accompanied by an official.
Ursula von der Leyen in a blue blazer stands at a wooden lectern in the House of Representatives, speaking in front of multiple Australian flags.
A wide view of the House of Representatives shows Ursula von der Leyen speaking at the lectern, with Members and Senators seated and listening.
A group of people, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a suit and President von der Leyen in a blue blazer, stand and speak with Members and Senators on the floor of the House of Representatives.
President von der Leyen in a blue blazer and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a suit stand behind a table holding signed documents, with Australian and European Union flags behind them.
President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Albanese stand at podiums outdoors in front of a building entrance, with Australian and European Union flags behind them and officials standing nearby.
President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Albanese shake hands in front of Australian and European Union flags at a building entrance.
President von der Leyen in a blue blazer speaks at a podium outdoors while Prime Minister Albanese in a suit stands beside her, with microphones and flags visible.
A group of officials sit at a long table in a meeting room, listening as Prime Minister Albanese speaks.
President von der Leyen in a blue blazer sits at a conference table with several men in suits, smiling during a formal meeting.
President von der Leyen in a light jacket stands on a dock with two men, including a naval officer in uniform, with large naval ships and a city skyline in the background.
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