Von der Leyen Visits Australia to Finalize EU Free Trade Agreement

Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Sydney on Monday for her first official visit to Australia since taking office as European Commission president. She is accompanied by EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, fueling speculation over an imminent free trade agreement signing. The geopolitical backdrop adds urgency to the visit: tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have already ignited energy markets, rekindling concerns over supply security. Von der Leyen is set to meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra and address the Australian Parliament.