European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a historic address to Australia’s parliament, warning that global instability has reached a critical point and urging closer cooperation between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Speaking during her official visit to Canberra, von der Leyen described the international environment as increasingly volatile, stressing that geographic distance no longer shields nations from global crises.

She pointed to escalating tensions in the Middle East, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and disruptions to energy supply routes as evidence of a rapidly shifting and interconnected security landscape.

Her address coincided with the conclusion of a long-negotiated free trade agreement and the establishment of a new security and defence partnership between the European Union and Australia.

Together, these agreements were presented as a comprehensive response to emerging global challenges, combining economic integration with strategic coordination.

Von der Leyen emphasized that the partnership reflects shared values and mutual trust, positioning both sides to act collectively in safeguarding stability, securing supply chains, and strengthening resilience against external shocks.

She underscored the importance of diversifying trade and energy sources, particularly as nations adapt to changing geopolitical realities.

A key theme of the speech was the growing importance of cooperation on critical resources.

The European Union and Australia have committed to deeper collaboration in securing supplies of minerals essential for advanced technologies and the energy transition, including lithium and rare earth elements.

This effort is intended to support long-term economic security and reduce dependency on concentrated global supply sources.

The European Commission president also highlighted the broader strategic dimension of the relationship, noting that security, economic prosperity, and technological advancement are increasingly interconnected.

She praised Australia’s role as a trusted partner and pointed to expanded collaboration in areas such as defence, cyber security, and research.

Her remarks marked a milestone in diplomatic relations, becoming the first address to the Australian parliament by a female global leader.

The speech reinforced a message of shared responsibility in navigating a complex international environment, with both sides committing to closer alignment across economic and security domains.

The visit and accompanying agreements signal a new phase in EU-Australia relations, anchored in a recognition that global challenges require coordinated responses and long-term strategic partnerships.