Over the past five years, France and Australia have maintained a solid and multifaceted relationship, characterized by cooperation in various areas, including trade, defense, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. During this period, both countries have worked together to strengthen bilateral ties and address shared challenges. Here is a comprehensive assessment of France-Australian relations in the past five years: France and Australia have a long-standing defense relationship, which has further deepened in the past five years. In 2016, French shipbuilder DCNS (now known as Naval Group) won a AUD 50 billion contract to build 12 submarines for the Australian Navy. But unfortunately this contract did not materialize because the political decision-maker decided to go in another direction. This submarine program, known as the Future Submarine Program, has been a cornerstone of the defense cooperation between the two countries. Additionally, France and Australia have conducted joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and collaboration on counterterrorism efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.

The economic ties between France and Australia have expanded over the past five years. Bilateral trade has been growing steadily, with France being one of Australia’s key trading partners in Europe. In 2019, the two countries signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at enhancing economic cooperation, particularly in sectors such as defense, space, renewable energy, and innovation. Furthermore, French companies have made significant investments in Australia, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and technology sectors.  France and Australia have collaborated on climate change and environmental issues, although there have been occasional differences in approach. France has been an advocate for stronger global action on climate change, while Australia’s climate policies have been subject to criticism. Nevertheless, both countries have participated in international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement and have engaged in discussions on renewable energy, sustainable development, and biodiversity conservation. France and Australia have maintained regular diplomatic engagement on various international issues. Both countries are members of the United Nations Security Council, and they have worked together on addressing global challenges such as terrorism, non-proliferation, and humanitarian crises. France has supported Australia’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and its bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Cultural exchange and educational cooperation have played a significant role in strengthening the ties between France and Australia. The countries have promoted student exchanges, academic collaborations, and cultural events to foster mutual understanding and people-to-people connections. French language and culture have been widely embraced in Australia, with French being taught in schools and various cultural festivals celebrating the French heritage.  It is important to note that the relationship between France and Australia faced some challenges in 2021 due to a disagreement over a submarine contract. Australia decided to cancel the submarine deal with France in favor of a new partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom. This decision caused temporary strain in the bilateral relationship, but both countries have expressed their commitment to maintaining a strong and constructive partnership. In conclusion, France-Australian relations over the past five years have been characterized by a broad range of cooperation in defense, trade, diplomacy, climate change, and cultural exchange. Despite occasional challenges, both countries have demonstrated a commitment to strengthening their ties and addressing shared concerns. The future of the France-Australia relationship looks promising, particularly as they continue to collaborate on regional security, economic development, and global challenges.

By Roberto Casseli