The European Union is set to sign new defence cooperation agreements with Australia, Iceland, and Ghana in the coming days, according to the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Speaking at the EU’s annual ambassadors’ conference on Monday, Kallas said more countries are seeking to strengthen international partnerships amid growing global security risks.
“A growing number of countries around the globe are seeking to diversify their partnerships to manage the heightened risk,” she noted, adding that several other countries have also expressed interest in similar arrangements.
Strengthening Defence Cooperation
The planned agreements form part of the EU’s broader strategy to expand defence and security cooperation with trusted international partners.
Although the EU’s foreign and defence policy decisions require consensus among its 27 member states, the bloc has been taking steps to increase military investment and coordination. Last year, the European Commission launched the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, which will provide up to €150 billion in long-term loans to help member states boost defence spending to around two percent of GDP.
The initiative also includes a joint defence procurement scheme worth up to €800 billion aimed at strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities. The programme was developed following pressure from Donald Trump, who criticised European countries for spending too little on defence, as well as growing security concerns linked to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East.
Ghana’s Role
Ghana’s agreement with the EU will mark the first defence partnership between the EU and an African country. According to Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the cooperation will focus primarily on counter-terrorism efforts. However, some analysts argue that such agreements remain largely symbolic, noting that details on how they will be implemented are still limited.
The EU has already concluded similar security and defence cooperation arrangements with countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the partnerships reflect Europe’s approach to strengthening global alliances.
“Standing on our own feet does not mean standing alone,” she said, adding that the EU intends to work closely with trusted partners worldwide to enhance security cooperation.
