EU Seeks Stronger Australian Ties to Counter Russia and China

The European Union’s institutional heads will meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese next week in an effort to mend ties and strengthen cooperation in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s increasingly assertive behavior.

The meeting, which will include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, will take place Nov. 16 on the margins of the Group of 20 summit in Bali, according to people familiar with the matter. They’ll discuss strengthening maritime security and efforts to conclude free trade talks during the first half of next year.