EU warns Australia: Distance won’t save you in ‘harsh’ world

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says Australia’s and Europe’s security are increasingly intertwined in a “harsh and unforgiving” world, warning that Australians can no longer indulge in the belief they are protected by geographic isolation.

Addressing the House of Representatives after sealing long-awaited free trade and defence deals with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, von der Leyen warned that countries that had built economic models on the premise of stability and safety now faced a new reality.