Building a Better World

Family, culture, and mobility: people are the heart of EU–Australia ties.

From dual citizenship to study exchanges, millions of Australians have direct connections with Europe.

WHY IT MATTERS

Beyond trade and politics, the EU–Australia relationship is about people. Nearly half a million Australians live in Europe, and many Europeans live, work, and study in Australia.

Family ties, dual citizenship, education, and cultural exchange form the foundation of the EU–Australia relationship and connect communities across continents.

WHAT’S DRIVING IT?

Centuries of migration, combined with modern travel, study, and work opportunities, underpin strong people-to-people links. Mobility programmes and visas help keep these connections dynamic and future-focused.

LOOKING AHEAD

Education exchanges, mobility schemes, and cultural cooperation will continue strengthening ties between European and Australian communities.

INTERESTING FACT

In the 2021 Census, over 57% of Australians reported European ancestry, showing how deeply Europe is woven into Australia’s story. 

Share

Related articles or posts

Security in a Polarised and Interconnected World

The EU and Australia established a Security and Defence Partnership in 2026 which provides a structured framework for cooperation on shared security challenges.

The EU and Australia coordinate to addresses disasters and emergencies globally.

Australia is a partner to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism which plays a global coordinating role to improve cooperation and facilitate preparedness in cases of humanitarian and natural disasters.

Australia participates in Erasmus+, the EU’s flagship education and mobility program.

Hundreds of students travel between Europe and Australia to study, teach, and conduct research.