EU to sign defence partnerships with Australia, Iceland and Ghana, Kallas says

Key Takeaways

• The upcoming defence agreements with Australia, Iceland and Ghana deepen the EU’s expanding network of Security and Defence Partnerships—a flexible, non-binding framework under the 2022 Strategic Compass. (consilium.europa.eu)
• These partnerships cover a wide range of cooperation areas, including cyber, counter-terrorism, maritime security, and crisis management, helping the EU respond to global instability and diversify its strategic alliances. (consilium.europa.eu)
• Australia had already begun talks on a Security and Defence Partnership in mid‑2025 during the G7 summit; EU‑Iceland negotiations were launched in mid‑2025 and expected to conclude later that year, while EU‑Ghana collaboration builds on ongoing initiatives like the Gulf of Guinea defence initiative. (consilium.europa.eu)