Canberra must be clear eyed on risks of EU security pact

In his latest commentary piece for The Australian, Security & Defence PLuS Executive Director Dr Ian Langford urges caution as Canberra considers a potential security pact with the European Union, warning that such an agreement could undermine Australia’s strategic priorities. Langford writes:

“A pact with the EU might offer attractive ‘ways’ – joint exercises, intelligence fusion, common procurement projects – but if the ‘ends’ are nebulous or the ‘means’ inadequate, the exercise is hollow,”

While acknowledging potential benefits in cyber cooperation and maritime security, he warns that the risk of “mission creep” could see Australia entangled in distant operations far removed from Indo-Pacific priorities. Crucially, Langford highlights that such a pact must not come at the expense of the government’s 2024 National Defence Strategy or the AUKUS agreement. He cautions:

“Security agreements are instruments of statecraft, not diplomatic trophies… They demand rigorous political oversight, clear strategic purpose, and unwavering fidelity to national interest.”

Langford advocates for targeted, task-specific cooperation over broad-brush agreements, arguing this would better preserve Australia’s strategic agility while reinforcing its regional focus.

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