Visit of the EEAS Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defence to Australia

Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss visited Canberra and Sydney for a series of high-level engagements as part of the implementation of the EU-Australia Security and Defence Partnership.

She attended the first high-level EU–Australia Security & Defence Dialogue with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), advancing discussions on shared strategic priorities, regional challenges, and opportunities for closer cooperation. Following this, she debriefed Member State Ambassadors at the EU Delegation.

In Sydney, MD von Seherr-Thoss participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) and organised together with the European Australian Business Council (EABC). Representatives from industry, academia, and think tanks joined the discussion to examine evolving geopolitical and economic security challenges and opportunities for deeper EU–Australia cooperation across defence, innovation, and strategic resilience.

MD von Seherr-Thoss was also interviewed by David Wroe for ASPI’s Stop the World podcast, where she spoke about the evolving global security environment and the growing EU–Australia strategic partnership.

The visit reinforced the EU and Australia’s shared commitment under the partnership to deepen cooperation and strengthen joint responses also in the field of security and defence. 

Thank you to DFAT, ASPI and EABC for their support during the visit.