Australia

The project aimed to strengthen EU-Australia relations, in line with bilateral agreements, by highlighting their cultural dimension and ensuring coherence with the Indo-Pacific Strategy, the EU-Australia Framework Agreement, and the EU’s cultural diplomacy strategies and programmes.

More specifically, the project aimed to:

• Increase understanding of the EU as a global cultural powerhouse, beyond its perception as a trading and economic bloc, by showcasing the continued relevance and value of the EU’s cultural heritage and way of life in the modern world, including through activities linked to the visit of Commission Vice-President Schinas to Australia.
• Strengthen EU public diplomacy in Australia and increase EU visibility within Australian society and government through a series of Maria Callas hologram performances and accompanying activities, such as networking events and a related exhibition.
• Establish new ties with decision makers and influential individuals in Australia, using the events as a strategic platform for engagement.

The overall objective of the project was to strengthen EU-Australia and EU-New Zealand relations, in line with bilateral agreements and in coherence with the objectives of the EU’s Foreign Policy, as well as key EU strategies: the European Green Deal, a Stronger EU in the World, the EU’s Multilateral Strategy, the EU-Asia Connectivity Strategy, the Indo-Pacific Strategy, Global Gateway and Strategic Compass.

Specific objective(s)

• To advance existing policy dialogues and open avenues to expand relations in priority areas for the EU in Australia and New Zealand, through communication actions that contribute to the implementation of the bilateral Framework Agreement with Australia, the Partnership on Relations and Cooperation Agreement (PARC) with New Zealand, and future bilateral Free Trade Agreements.
• To increase understanding of EU policies and objectives, to build support and agreement in areas of mutual interests for the EU with Australia and with New Zealand, and to increase awareness of the role of the EU as a global player, via public diplomacy activities.