Counter-Terrorism: EU and Australia hold annual dialogue

On 11 June 2026, the European Union and Australia held their annual Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels. The Dialogue reaffirmed the collective commitment and joint approach by the EU and Australia to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

The substantive cooperation facilitated by the Counter-Terrorism Dialogue represents an important pillar of the EU-Australia Security and Defence Partnership and our close cooperation to achieve shared strategic objectives.

The dialogue covered regional and global threats, and international counter-terrorism cooperation through the multilateral system. The discussion addressed the increasingly complex web of terrorist actors and the increasing number of violent extremist acts targeting religious communities, including attacks driven by antisemitic and anti-Muslim hatred. Discussions also focused on youth and online radicalisation, including nihilistic extremism.

The European Union and Australia reaffirmed their approach to countering global jihadist terrorist groups including in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia. Successful cooperation between nations continues to be an essential element in preventing and countering terrorism globally, ensuring effective action is in full compliance with international law, including human rights and respect for the rule of law.

The meeting was co-chaired by Anna Strzaska, Special Envoy for Counter-Terrorism at the European External Action Service, European Union and Gemma Huggins, Australia's Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism.