Australia seeks EU defense deal, Canada may follow

Australia will begin talks with the European Union for a defense and security pact, potentially allowing it to participate in the EU's military production program. The announcement, made Wednesday, follows a similar deal with the UK and precedes an expected agreement with Canada next week. These pacts could enable Australia and Canada, both NATO allies, to access the EU's €150 billion program for joint defense procurement. The EU and Australia are also focused on cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, and the pact is a step toward strengthening the EU's defense capabilities. The EU is also negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with Australia.