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EU's von der Leyen Urges End to Middle East Hostilities, Launches Security Pact with Australia

European Council President Ursula von der Leyen called for an immediate negotiated end to hostilities in the Middle East, warning the conflict is creating a critical situation for global energy supplies. During a visit to Canberra, she announced the launch of a new EU-Australia Security and Defence Partnership to deepen cooperation from maritime exercises to space and countering hybrid threats. Von der Leyen also confirmed the conclusion of the long-negotiated EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement, hailing it as a win for both sides. She emphasized that Europe and Australia are allies with a common strategic interest in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Points: EU Calls for End to Middle East Hostilities, Signs Australia Deal

  • Call for end to Middle East hostilities
  • Warning on global energy supply chains
  • Launch of new EU-Australia Security & Defence Partnership
  • Conclusion of EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement
  • Focus on Indo-Pacific stability
2 min read

European Council President Ursula von der Leyen urges end to West Asia "hostilities"

European Council President von der Leyen warns of global energy crisis from Middle East conflict, announces new EU-Australia security and trade agreements.

European Council President Ursula von der Leyen urges end to West Asia "hostilities"
"It is of utmost importance that we come to a solution that is negotiated, and this puts an end to the hostilities that we see in the Middle East. - Ursula von der Leyen"

Canberra, March 24

President of the European Council Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday called for an immediate end to "hostilities" in the Middle East, warning that the escalating conflict is creating a "critical" situation for global energy supply chains, according to France 24.

Addressing the Australian Parliament during her visit to Canberra, the European Commission President said the ongoing conflict is already having far-reaching consequences worldwide.

"We all feel the knock-on effects on gas and oil prices on our businesses and our societies," von der Leyen said alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, as quoted by France 24.

As quoted by France 24, she added, "It is of utmost importance that we come to a solution that is negotiated, and this puts an end to the hostilities that we see in the Middle East."

Von der Leyen also highlighted deepening strategic ties between the European Union and Australia, announcing the launch of a new 'Security and Defence Partnership' aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple domains.

In a post on X, she said the partnership would expand collaboration from joint maritime exercises to space coordination, defence industry engagement and efforts to counter hybrid threats.

"Today, we are also launching our new Security & Defence Partnership. We will deepen our cooperation from joint maritime exercises to space, defence industry and countering hybrid threats. And we will work hand in hand to strengthen the resilience of our democracies, " von der Leyen said.

In a post on X, she further stressed that Europe and Australia share common strategic interests, particularly in maintaining stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

"Europe and Australia are long-standing friends and allies. Our security matters to you. The reverse is also true.Stability in the Indo-Pacific is now our common goal," she added.

Meanwhile, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union and Australia have concluded a long-negotiated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) following a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

In a post on X, von der Leyen said the agreement came after years of negotiations.

She said, "After almost a decade of work - we can say: we did it. We have concluded the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement. And it is such a win for both sides."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the EU-Australia security partnership. As an expat in Delhi, I hope such alliances focus on stabilizing the Indo-Pacific without escalating tensions. The region needs dialogue, not more military blocs.
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Ananya R
While the call for peace is welcome, it feels like these statements come only when Western economies are hit. What about the humanitarian crisis? The suffering of people should be the primary reason to end hostilities, not just oil prices.
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Vikram M
The new FTA is a big deal. Hope India is watching and pushing for similar fair trade agreements with the EU. Our exports need that boost, especially with global uncertainty rising.
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Karthik V
"Stability in the Indo-Pacific is our common goal" – This is key for India. We have a major stake in this region. Hope Europe's engagement is constructive and respects the sovereignty of all nations here, including ours.
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Priya S
Good to see the focus on negotiated solutions. War never benefits the common person. As a mother, I just pray for peace so that families everywhere can live without fear. 🙏

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