Fact Check: The European Union's ambassador to Australia, Gabriele Visentin, confirmed that talks regarding the defence agreement were underway in Brussels as of October 2023.

Fact Check: "The European Union's ambassador to Australia, Gabriele Visentin, confirmed that talks regarding the defence agreement were underway in Brussels as of October 2023."

What We Know

Recent statements from Gabriele Visentin, the European Union's ambassador to Australia, indicate that discussions about a bilateral security partnership between Australia and the EU have indeed commenced. During a National Press Club address, Visentin confirmed that the Albanese government and the EU have started informal talks in Brussels regarding this security agreement. He expressed optimism about the potential for this partnership, stating that it is more likely to be realized than the ongoing negotiations for a free trade deal (source, source). Furthermore, he noted that these discussions were initiated following meetings between Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and the EU’s High Representative for Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore (source).

Analysis

The claim that talks regarding a defence agreement are underway is supported by multiple credible sources. Visentin's remarks at the National Press Club were widely reported, confirming the initiation of discussions in Brussels (source, source). The context of these discussions is significant, as they are framed within a broader geopolitical landscape that includes concerns about China's military activities in the Indo-Pacific region, which Visentin characterized as a "worrying sign" (source).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this matter is high, as they include statements directly from a high-ranking EU official and reputable news outlets. The Australian Financial Review and AAP News, for example, are well-regarded for their political reporting and analysis. However, it is important to note that while the ambassador's optimism reflects a positive outlook on the negotiations, the actual outcomes of such discussions remain uncertain, as highlighted by the cautious stance of some Australian government ministers (source).

Conclusion

The claim that Gabriele Visentin confirmed ongoing talks about a defence agreement between the EU and Australia is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports this assertion, detailing the initiation of discussions and the ambassador's optimistic perspective on the potential for a security partnership.

Sources

1. Australia, EU explore security pact in bid to 'defend peace'
2. European Union's top diplomat to Australia Gabriele Visentin says China ...
3. A European Steel and Metals Action Plan - European Commission
4. ‘Glass half-full’ for EU security deal with Australia
5. EU Ready for Second Attempt at Australia Trade Deal, Envoy Says
6. EU Envoy Flags Concern With Beijing-Moscow Axis, Pushes Defence Pact ...
7. Joint Clinical Assessments - European Commission - Public Health
8. EU Ambassador addressed the National Press Club of ... - EEAS