The European Union (EU) hosted the third EU-Australia Digital Economy and Technology Policy Dialogue on 8 July 2026. Together we progressed collaboration on digital and critical technology priorities, including AI, children's online safety, and secure regional connectivity and infrastructure.
Several Australian Government departments and agencies joined the dialogue to share their expertise on artificial intelligence (AI), infrastructure and connectivity in the Indo-Pacific, data governance and online safety. These included the:
- Department of Industry, Science and Resources
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Department of Home Affairs
- eSafety Commissioner
- Office of the National Data Commissioner
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Renate Nikolay, Deputy Director-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology at the European Commission hosted and co-chaired the virtual meeting. Helen Wilson, DISR Deputy Secretary, Science and Technology Group, co-chaired the dialogue on the Australian side.
Discussion covered:
- approaches to AI infrastructure, capability and safety, including through the EU's new Technology Sovereignty Package
- the importance of secure regional connectivity and infrastructure
- progress on online safety reforms, with a specific focus on protection of minors
- data policy.
The EU is a valued and trusted partner for collaboration on research, innovation, technology governance and investment.
This dialogue comes at a time when Australia and the EU have taken many positive steps forward in the relationship. This includes the conclusion of negotiations on Australia's association to Framework Programme 9 of Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship research and innovation collaboration program.
The EU and Australia agreed to further discussions on data approaches, cybersecurity, and AI safety and capability. We will also explore further opportunities for critical technology research collaboration.
