2026 Schuman Lecture | Partnership for the Future: What Comes Next for EU-Australia Relations?

The ANU Centre for European Studies warmly invites you to the 2026 Schuman Lecture, presented by His Excellency Mr Lawrence Meredith, European Union Ambassador to Australia. Partnership for the Future: What Comes Next for EU-Australia Relations? For decades, Australia and the European Union viewed one another as like-minded but geographically distant partners. Today, a rapidly changing geopolitical environment is compelling both sides to rethink those ties. In the light of President von der Leyen’s visit to Australia, the relationship is entering a new phase. A Security and Defence Partnership, the conclusion of negotiations on the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement and Australia’s association with Horizon Europe have given it new foundations, alongside growing cooperation on critical minerals, climate ambition and continued support for Ukraine. In the 2026 Schuman Lecture, the EU Ambassador to Australia, HE Lawrence Meredith, will reflect on this evolving partnership, Australia’s place in European strategic thinking and what deeper EU-Australia cooperation could look like in the years ahead. About the speaker Ambassador H.E. Lawrence Meredith studied at Oxford University and holds a First Class Honours B.A. in Russian and French from The Queen's College. He speaks English, French, Russian, Spanish, German and Italian. He is a keen birdwatcher, enjoys biking, and supports Bradford City. Mr Meredith was the EU Ambassador to New Zealand from 2023 - 2026. Before that, he was the Director for Neighbourhood East and Institution Building within the European Commission, managing relations and cooperation with the EU’s Eastern Partnership countries. Event details Date: Wednesday 18 November 2026 Lecture: 6-7pm Reception: 7-8pm Venue: The Hall, University House, The Australian National University Address: 1 Balmain Crescent, Acton ACT 2601 Please arrive from 5.30pm to allow time to check in and be seated before the lecture begins at 6pm, followed by a reception until 8pm. Registration Please register through this page to attend. Enquiries and accessibility For event enquiries or to discuss accessibility requirements, please contact [email protected]