European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a defence and security agreement that would potentially enable Australian access to Europe’s massive remarmament build-up.

President von der Leyen made the offer during her one-on-one meeting with Anthony Albanese in Rome.

But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese instantly downplayed the idea as an “assertion” and “suggestion” and expressed stronger support for a standard trade deal between Australia and the EU which previously collapsed over a fight on beef quotas.

President von der Leyen told Mr Albanese that she wanted a “new era” in ties and urged the two jurisdictions to contemplate a broader partnership than just selling goods to one another.

The pair met on the sidelines of Pope Leo XIV’s inaugurationation in Rome on Sunday.

“We meet here in Rome to celebrate the new era in the Vatican,” President von der Leyen said.

“So perhaps you could say we also are looking forward to a new era between Europe and Australia.

Check out Latika Bourke’s full story here.

19 MAY - 06:00 AMMatt Shrivell

PM meets Zelensky and reaffirms Australia's support

The Prime Minister has met Ukraine’s President Volodmyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass on the steps of St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in Rome.

“During our campaign I made it clear that the Australian government position that I lead is very supportive of your struggle,” Mr Albanese told President Zelensky.

“The Russian illegal aggression needs to be resisted and we stand with UKraine very clearly and unequivocally.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attend their meeting in Rome. Credit: AAP

“Ukraine has to be able to determine your future enough to have something imposed on you.”

He said Australian tanks were on their way to Ukraine and repeated that he was willing to join the Coalition of the Willing being formed by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Read Latika Bourke’s full story here.