The European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) is the EU’s €1.5 billion initiative to enhance and modernise Europe’s defence industry, boost production capacity and secure technological advancement and resilience. In 2026-2027, €300 million will go directly to the Ukraine Support Instrument, boosting Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Three deals, one clear message: Europe is open for business.
This was an exceptional week for EU trade.
The EU secured a historic trilogy of trade successes:
🇦🇺 Free Trade Agreement with Australia: finalised.
🌎 Mercosur agreement: moving forward with provisional application.
🇺🇸 EU-US deal: approved by the European Parliament.
This is what relentless ambition looks like. Predictability for businesses. Jobs for people. Prosperity for Europe.
Many pornographic platforms are in breach of the Digital Services Act, particularly when it comes to enforcing effective age restrictions. That means that minors, some as young as 7 years old, can access these sites without limitation, which can lead to negative impacts on their development. The EU is taking action, and platforms now have the opportunity to respond and demonstrate compliance.
The European Commission has launched an investigation into Snapchat over potential breaches of the Digital Services Act. This comes after the platform has failed to respect its own terms and conditions. With 97 million users across the European Union, children as young as 10 years old use the platform daily, which is below the age limitation. Following this breach of the Digital Services Act, the European Commission has launched an investigation on Snapchat.
AGILE is the EU’s new €115 million funding instrument designed to accelerate disruptive defence technologies from lab to battlefield — at record speed.
🔹 Grants of €1M–€5M for European SMEs
🔹 Fast-track awards within 4 months
🔹 Delivery timelines of 6–12 months
🔹 100% eligible costs covered
🔹 Supporting 20–30 projects
🔹 Open to EU Member States, Norway & Ukraine
For more details on AGILE, follow the link: https://link.europa.eu/dxvfxrxx
AGILE is the EU’s new €150 million funding instrument designed to accelerate disruptive defence technologies from lab to battlefield — at record speed.
🔹 Grants of €1M–€5M for European SMEs
🔹 Fast-track awards within 4 months
🔹 Delivery timelines of 6–12 months
🔹 100% eligible costs covered
🔹 Supporting 20–30 projects
🔹 Open to EU Member States, Norway & Ukraine
For more details on AGILE, follow the link: https://link.europa.eu/dxvfxrxx
The European Union and Australia have reached a landmark trade agreement — one of the most comprehensive deals in EU history. Key outcomes of the EU-Australia Trade Deal:
🔹 100% tariff elimination on both sides — zero export restrictions, taxes or monopolies 🔹 Access to Australia’s critical minerals, including the world’s largest lithium supply
🔹 No limits on European investment in Australia
🔹 Strengthened security cooperation: joint military exercises, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism
The agreement is projected to add nearly €4 billion to European GDP by 2030.
"It’s time to build new alliances with trusted partners. To withstand shocks and stay competitive." – Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Australia from 23-25 March to strengthen EU ties with a trusted, like-minded partner in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region.
In her keynote speech at a business event hosted by the European Australian Business Council, President von der Leyen highlighted the connections between Australia and Europe. The President spoke on the historical and economic ties that bind Australia and Europe, stressing the importance of shared values and mutual trust. She announced the conclusion of a new Free Trade Agreement aimed at liberalising investment flows and removing trade tariffs, positioning Australia as a central partner in Europe’s Indo-Pacific strategy. She also introduced a new Security and Defence Partnership to enhance military cooperation and support the defence industries in both regions. Her speech underscored the trusted relationship between Europe and Australia in an increasingly volatile global environment.
For the full transcript of her speech, see here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_26_705
Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-286717
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After nearly 10 years of negotiations, the EU and Australia have reached a major free trade agreement.
Tariffs are cut, trade is set to grow, and cooperation expands on security, supply chains, and innovation.
"We have concluded the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement. And it is such a win for both sides." – Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visits Australia from March 23-25 to strengthen EU ties with a trusted, like-minded partner in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region.
In her statement at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on 24 March, President Ursula von der Leyen announced the conclusion of the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement, praising its mutual benefits such as tariff-free exports for Australian goods and increased service opportunities.
For the EU, this expands Europe’s trade network, promises growth in exports, and saves significant tariffs. She emphasised the importance of collaborative resilience, particularly in trade, security, and critical raw materials.
President von der Leyen also welcomed negotiations for Australia to join the Horizon Europe programme, enhancing research cooperation. The partnership reflects shared values in democracy, climate goals, and protecting future generations.
For the full transcript of the President’s statement, see here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_26_693
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