Australia-EU defence pact opens door to joint naval operations

Australia and the European Union could conduct joint naval activities to protect critical maritime infrastructure and collaborate on developing military capabilities as part of a new defence agreement.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to sign the agreement next Tuesday when they meet in Canberra to finalise a long-awaited free trade deal between Australia and the 450 million-strong bloc.