[Main image: EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, left, and Vice-President of Ghana Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, right, at the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership between the EU and Ghana in March 2026.]

The EU works with partners around the world to uphold peace and security and to continue to be able to adapt to global challenges as they evolve.

Security and Defence Partnerships (SDPs) are non-binding, bilateral political instruments which allow the EU to co-operate as a reliable partner to other countries, in areas such as crisis management, cyber issues, maritime security, counter-terrorism, or the resilience of critical infrastructure.

Practically, we boost cooperation in a multitude of areas from cyber threats to maritime security, while creating greater market access for our businesses and more choice for our citizens. In an increasingly dangerous world, strong partnerships like ours are the best defence.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, upon the adoption of the Security and Defence Partnership between the EU and Australia in March 2026.

These SDPs enable joint initiatives and activities between the EU and other countries including:

• Bringing together shared security interests and strategic priorities;

• Improving interoperability and coordination in defence initiatives;

• The opportunity for partners to take part in EU CSDP missions and operations;

• Working together on emerging threats such as hybrid attacks, disinformation, and cyber issues;

• Promoting peace mediation and conflict prevention efforts;

• Countries with a SDP are granted access to common defence procurement under SAFE (Security Action for Europe), and their entities can benefit from EU funding after the adoption of additional agreements.

European Union, 2026

[Image: EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, left, with Foreign Minister of Iceland Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, right, at the signing of the SDP between the EU and Iceland on 18 March 2026.]

Current Security and Defence Partnerships

As of March 2026, the EU has concluded Security and Defence Partnerships with 12 partner countries. The EU is continuing engaging with other partners and aiming to develop more partnerships with key global partners.

• Republic of Moldova - signed on 21 May 2024, EU-Moldova Security & Defence Partnership

• Norway - signed on 28 May 2024, EU-Norway Security & Defence Partnership

• Republic of Korea - concluded on 04 September 2024, EU-Republic of Korea Security & Defence Partnership

• Japan - signed on 1 November 2024, EU-Japan Security & Defence Partnership

• North Macedonia - signed on 19 November 2024, EU-North Macedonia Security & Defence Partnership

• Albania - signed on 18 December 2024, EU-Albania Security & Defence Partnership

• United Kingdom - concluded on 19 May 2025, EU-UK Security & Defence Partnership

• Canada - signed on 23 June 2025,EU-Canada Security & Defence Partnership

• India - signed on 27 January 2026, EU-India Security & Defence Partnership

• Iceland - signed on 18 March 2026: EU - Iceland Security & Defence Partnership

• Australia - signed on 18 March 2026: EU-Australia Security and Defence Partnership

• Ghana - signed on 24 March 2026: EU-Ghana Security and Defence Partnership

These Partnerships underscore the EU's commitment to collaborative security efforts.

Europe as a reliable partner

Follow the link to learn more about Europe's Offer and discover stories reflecting the core principle of EU foreign policy: lasting stability is built through reliable partnerships.

European Union, 2026