Latest news with #SecurityandDefencePartnership
Euronews
4 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
Australia and Canada next in line after UK for defence deal with EU
The EU and Australia announced on Wednesday they will start talks for a defence and security pact, with the bloc expected to strike a similar deal with Canada next week, a first step that could eventually allow both NATO allies to take part in the EU's €150 billion programme to boost military production. "I very much welcome the EU's offer for a Security and Defence Partnership and Australia will warmly take it up and commence work immediately," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a joint statement released following a meeting on the sidelines of a G7 summit in Canada. "This will open the door to joint defence procurement opportunities and will benefit both our industries and our security," he added. Brussels and Canberra emphasised their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, where China's military is increasingly active and assertive, and which has become a key pillar of Washington's foreign policy. "In a time of rising tensions and strategic competition, trusted partners must stand together," von der Leyen said in the same statement. "Europe and Australia's enduring friendship enters a new chapter today." The EU and Australia are also currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement but the talks for the SPD will remain separate. A Security and Defence Pact (SPD) - like the one the EU signed with the UK last month - is one of the likely deliverables of the EU-Canada summit to be held on Monday in Brussels between European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, European Council president Antonio Costa, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Striking an SPD is the first required step for third countries to take part in the EU's €150 billion SAFE programme to boost joint procurement. The instrument, part of the EU's Readiness 2030 plan to strengthen the bloc's defence sector and capabilities, includes a so-called European preference under which some 65% of the weapon systems bought must be made in the EU or by a third-country manufacturer provided they have an SPD with the bloc. A second agreement, allowing for the third country's participation in SAFE, will also be required. SAFE was approved by member states late last month and governments now have a few months to submit to the Commission the joint procurement projects they want to take part in. The EU executive could then start releasing money to fund these projects before the end of the year. France announced on Tuesday that Bulgaria had joined its initiative for joint acquisitions of THALES radar intended to strengthen aerial surveillance. "Other countries have already shown a strong interest in this approach and, with the support of the initial partner countries, are expected to join the cooperation in the near future," the French ministry for the armed forces said. Police officers in England and Wales will be required to collect ethnicity and nationality data in cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation after a review found the issue had been 'shied away' from. The UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that this would become a mandatory requirement as she accepted all 12 recommendations made by Louise Casey in her audit on group-based child sexual abuse on Monday. Casey noted that the term 'group-based child sexual exploitation' sanitised what the victims – some as young as 11 – had suffered, with abused children suffering beatings, gang rapes, being impregnated by their abusers and having children removed from them at birth. The perpetrators targeted girls from vulnerable backgrounds, including children in care, children with physical and mental disabilities, and children who had suffered neglect or abuse. The recommendation to collect targeted information was made after the review found that there was a paucity of data nationally concerning the ethnicity of perpetrators of group-based child sexual abuse – sometimes known as 'grooming gangs' – and their victims. It stated that this meant there was insufficient information to draw conclusions on the national level. However, Casey found that in three local policing areas – Greater Manchester, West and South Yorkshire – there was sufficient evidence to show that there were 'disproportionate numbers of men from Asian ethnic backgrounds amongst suspects for group-based child sexual exploitation'. This is the case for group-based child sexual exploitation in the local data examined, the review noted, while more broadly across child sexual exploitation cases, the ethnicity profile is much closer to that of the local population. The issue of ethnicity is the most sensitive and controversial aspect of the audit, and Cooper said she had requested that this be the focus of the analysis. 'While much more robust national data is needed, we cannot and must not shy away from these findings, because, as Baroness Casey says, ignoring the issues, not examining and exposing them to the light, allows the criminality and depravity of a minority of men to be used to marginalise whole communities,' Cooper said. 'The vast majority of people in our British, Asian and Pakistani heritage communities continue to be appalled by these terrible crimes and agree that the criminal minority of sick predators and perpetrators in every community must be dealt with robustly by a criminal law.' As well as failing victims, neglecting the possible role of the factor of ethnicity 'plays into the hands of groups with divisive political agendas not to examine or deal with these issues conclusively,' Casey wrote in the review. Perpetrators groomed vulnerable girls with gifts and attention before passing them to other men to rape and using alcohol, drugs and violence to keep them compliant and control them. The audit noted that 'the grooming process is now as likely to start online, and hotspots might have moved from parks to vape shops and the use of hotels with anonymous check-in facilities'. Too often, child victims were blamed for their own abuse and 'criminalised for offences they committed while being groomed,' Casey said. She recommended that the law be tightened to clarify that children cannot consent when they have been raped, so that adults who penetrate a child under 16 (the UK age of consent) receive mandatory charges of rape. While this already is the case for children below 13, she noted that cases are sometimes dropped or charges downgraded if the 13 to 15-year-old is said to have been 'in love with' or 'had consented to' sex with the perpetrator. Among other recommendations, Casey also called for the gathering of ethnicity and nationality data in child sexual abuse cases be made mandatory, and the review of criminal convictions of victims of child sexual exploitation. The scandal from more than a decade ago returned to the political agenda after Elon Musk made a series of social media posts about it in January, wading in after it emerged that the UK safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips, rejected a request for a government-led inquiry, instead saying it should be commissioned locally. It is an issue that has been examined before, with a report by Professor Alexis Jay in 2014 estimating that some 1,400 children were sexually exploited in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013, predominantly by men of Pakistani descent. That report identifies failings by authorities and the police, and also cites local authority officials describing their 'nervousness' at identifying the 'ethnic origins of perpetrators for fear of being thought racist.' Labour initially rejected calls for another inquiry, as successive Conservative governments had implemented none of the recommendations made in the last national inquiry. The government has now bowed to pressure to launch another national inquiry, despite Jay saying in January that victims "want action" rather than another inquiry.
Sky News AU
4 days ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
Anthony Albanese to negotiate on security and defence pact with the European Union
Anthony Albanese has officially confirmed that Australia will commence negotiations on a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union, as Australia firms up strategic support with allied countries in a precarious global environment. Mirroring similar partnerships the EU has with Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom, the agreement moves to boost defence co-operation between the two countries in areas such as defence industry, counter terrorism, and critical technologies. It would not be legally binding or considered a treaty, and Australia would not be required to send troops should an EU member be attacked. The Prime Minister confirmed he had accepted the invite following a trilateral meeting with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa on Wednesday, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles set to lead negotiations. The agreement will create a framework for how the two countries will work together on issues like cyber security, and counter-terrorism. Mr Albanese said the partnership was a 'key takeout' of his meetings at the G7. 'I very much welcome the EU's offer for a Security and Defence Partnership and Australia will warmly take it upand commence work immediately,' he said. 'This will open the door to joint defence procurement opportunities and will benefit both our industries and our security. 'At a time of global uncertainty, it is our collective responsibility to work together to uphold peace, security and economic prosperity. The need for greater allied collaboration also featured heavily in Mr Albanese's bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday (AEST). Both men spoke about growing collaboration between Australia and Japan to maintain a 'free and open Pacific' amid increasing aggression from China. Mr Ishiba said the state of international affairs was 'becoming more complex,' naming conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East and China's military presence in the Indo-Pacific. 'Under such circumstances, I think Japan (and) Australia co-ordination really continues to set an example of what a like-minded country's co-operation is, and going to going forward together, I would like to make sure that free and open in the Pacific will be realised,' he said. Mr Albanese said Japan and Australia shared 'a very special partnership and a strategic relationship'. 'Increasingly in recent years, our defence ties have become more important,' he added. 'Both countries are strong supporters of free and fair trade, and that is something that has brought prosperity to not just our nations, but to our region.' Mr Albanese's appearance at the G7 also coincides with a sudden 30-day Pentagon review of the AUKUS security pact by the Trump administration, which prompted fears the 2018 agreement could be scrapped. While it was expected to be a prominent topic of conversation during a 20-minute conversation between Mr Albanese and Donald Trump, the talks were put on ice after the US President departed the summit early due to the escalating violence between Israel and Iran. Fears for AUKUS were still somewhat allayed after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed in the deal during a press conference with Mr Trump. 'Yep, we're proceeding with that,' Sir Keir said following his bilateral meeting with Mr Trump. 'I think the person that is doing a review – we did a review when we came into government, so that makes good sense to me. But it's a really important deal.' Although Mr Trump didn't go as far to back in AUKUS, he said of the UK and the US: 'We're very long-time partners and allies and friends, and we've become friends in a short period of time.' Originally published as Anthony Albanese to negotiate on security and defence pact with the European Union
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Negotiations to begin on major defence pact
Anthony Albanese has officially confirmed that Australia will commence negotiations on a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union, as Australia firms up strategic support with allied countries in a precarious global environment. Mirroring similar partnerships the EU has with Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom, the agreement moves to boost defence co-operation between the two countries in areas such as defence industry, counter terrorism, and critical technologies. It would not be legally binding or considered a treaty, and Australia would not be required to send troops should an EU member be attacked. The Prime Minister confirmed he had accepted the invite following a trilateral meeting with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa on Wednesday, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles set to lead negotiations. Anthony Albanese has accepted an invite to begin negotiations to join a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union. NewsWire/ Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia The agreement will create a framework for how the two countries will work together on issues like cyber security, and counter-terrorism. Mr Albanese said the partnership was a 'key takeout' of his meetings at the G7. 'I very much welcome the EU's offer for a Security and Defence Partnership and Australia will warmly take it upand commence work immediately,' he said. 'This will open the door to joint defence procurement opportunities and will benefit both our industries and our security. 'At a time of global uncertainty, it is our collective responsibility to work together to uphold peace, security and economic prosperity. The need for greater allied collaboration also featured heavily in Mr Albanese's bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday (AEST). Both men spoke about growing collaboration between Australia and Japan to maintain a 'free and open Pacific' amid increasing aggression from China. Mr Ishiba said the state of international affairs was 'becoming more complex,' naming conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East and China's military presence in the Indo-Pacific. 'Under such circumstances, I think Japan (and) Australia co-ordination really continues to set an example of what a like-minded country's co-operation is, and going to going forward together, I would like to make sure that free and open in the Pacific will be realised,' he said. Mr Albanese said Japan and Australia shared 'a very special partnership and a strategic relationship'. 'Increasingly in recent years, our defence ties have become more important,' he added. 'Both countries are strong supporters of free and fair trade, and that is something that has brought prosperity to not just our nations, but to our region.' Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba met at the G7 in Canada. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire The need for greater allied collaboration also featured heavily in Mr Albanese's bilateral meeting with Japan's leader. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire Mr Albanese's appearance at the G7 also coincides with a sudden 30-day Pentagon review of the AUKUS security pact by the Trump administration, which prompted fears the 2018 agreement could be scrapped. While it was expected to be a prominent topic of conversation during a 20-minute conversation between Mr Albanese and Donald Trump, the talks were put on ice after the US President departed the summit early due to the escalating violence between Israel and Iran. Fears for AUKUS were still somewhat allayed after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed in the deal during a press conference with Mr Trump. 'Yep, we're proceeding with that,' Sir Keir said following his bilateral meeting with Mr Trump. 'I think the person that is doing a review – we did a review when we came into government, so that makes good sense to me. But it's a really important deal.' Although Mr Trump didn't go as far to back in AUKUS, he said of the UK and the US: 'We're very long-time partners and allies and friends, and we've become friends in a short period of time.'
India Gazette
11-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Vice President Kaja Kallas holds first EU-India Strategic Dialogue with EAM Jaishankar
Brussels [Belgium], June 11 (ANI): The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union/Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held the first EU-India Strategic Dialogue on Tuesday in Brussels. During the dialogue, High Representative Kallas and Minister Jaishankar discussed EU-India bilateral relations, regional and global challenges, and the advancement of cooperation in the field of security and defence. Amid evolving and complex global security challenges, EU-India collaboration is vital in key areas of mutual interest, including counterterrorism, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, maritime security, maritime domain awareness, space security, defence industry cooperation and countering foreign information manipulation and interference, according to the European Union statement. The strategic dialogue reaffirmed the strong commitment to a rules-based international order, global peace, stability and prosperity, rooted in shared democratic values and converging strategic interests. The exchanges underscored the importance of close cooperation on regional and global security matters, with the interconnectedness of security dynamics in European and the Indo-Pacific in mind. They reaffirmed the mutual interest in strengthening and deepening EU-India security and defence cooperation. High Representative Kallas welcomed India's confirmation of interest in engaging with the EU on the establishment of a Security and Defence Partnership. The EU and India agreed to establish a comprehensive Dialogue on Space, with a first session expected to convene in the final quarter of 2025. According to the European Union, they provided updates on ongoing processes to launch negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement, highlighting the importance of secure and structured information exchange. They welcomed the increased cooperation at sea in recent years, including the development of operational arrangements between the EU Naval Force operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES, and the Indian Navy. On counterterrorism, the High Representative and Jaishankar underlined the importance of continued cooperation and announced plans to convene a dedicated counterterrorism dialogue later this year. On regional and global issues, the EU and India recognised their shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific and underlined the importance of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. High Representative Kallas and Jaishankar exchanged views on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and reaffirmed the necessity of achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. They reiterated their strong condemnation of the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. They shared the view that every nation, including India, has the right and responsibility to protect its citizens from acts of terror. While de-escalation efforts are ongoing, the High Representative encouraged continued bilateral engagement between India and Pakistan to support peace and stability in the region, as per the European Union. On developments in the Middle East, the need for full adherence to international humanitarian and international law, and the urgent need for the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid in accordance with international humanitarian principles, were underscored. (ANI)
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
There will be situations our perspectives may differ… but there's place for India, EU to deepen ties: Jaishankar
Stating that the world order is in the midst of a profound change, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Tuesday said even though India and the EU may not have identical perspectives at times, there is a place for the two to forge deeper ties. He was speaking alongside EU High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas in Brussels after the First Strategic Dialogue, during which they discussed deepening cooperation in defence, maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber & AI, space and defence industry collaborations. They also discussed the establishment of a Security and Defence Partnership, and a Dialogue on Space, with a first session expected to convene in the final quarter of 2025. Jaishankar posted on X 'also shared perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the situation in Europe and West Asia'. 'As political democracies, market economies and pluralistic societies, India and the EU share many convergences in an increasingly multipolar world.' As per a statement by the EU, the Strategic Dialogue 'reaffirmed the strong commitment to a rules-based international order, global peace, stability and prosperity, rooted in shared democratic values and converging strategic interests'. '…India, has the right and responsibility to protect its citizens from acts of terror,' it said, coming weeks after Operation Sindoor. 'It is apparent that the world order is in the midst of a profound change,' the EAM said, adding, 'as two important poles of that emerging reality, there is a powerful place for India and the EU to forge deeper ties.' 'There will be situations when our perspectives may not be entirely identical… what is important is that we expand common ground and understanding and enhance levels of trust.' Divya A reports on travel, tourism, culture and social issues - not necessarily in that order - for The Indian Express. She's been a journalist for over a decade now, working with Khaleej Times and The Times of India, before settling down at Express. Besides writing/ editing news reports, she indulges her pen to write short stories. As Sanskriti Prabha Dutt Fellow for Excellence in Journalism, she is researching on the lives of the children of sex workers in India. ... Read More
