Australia and the EU: Like-minded yet untapped partners in the Indo-Pacific

This chapter examines the relationship between the EU and Australia in the Indo-Pacific. It traces the evolution of EU–Australia relations from the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in 1962 through successive periods of tension and rapprochement, including the disruption caused by the AUKUS agreement in 2021 and the subsequent suspension of Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Drawing on ten elite interviews with Australian government officials and civil society actors, the chapter presents findings from the EUIP Network’s Australian research strand. The results reveal a visibility deficit and moderate scepticism among Australian stakeholders regarding the EU’s capacity to act as a meaningful Indo-Pacific partner, with the United States and China rated considerably more important than the EU. Green transition cooperation and trade emerge as the priority areas for potential collaboration. The chapter concludes with five recommendations for how the EU and Australia might strengthen their Indo-Pacific partnership, including greater engagement on climate action, enhanced visibility for the Global Gateway, and mobilisation of Australia’s European diaspora networks.