With Anthony Albanese meeting with Rome's world leaders, the EU has proposed the prospect of a security deal with Australia, including a brief dialogue with Pope Leo XIV after the inauguration of the pope.

The Prime Minister met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the Italian capital to discuss Australia's "constructive relations" could play a role in "the uncertain world today."

In a brief speech before the meeting, Von der Leyen said the EU hopes to "expand this strategic partnership", including on defense and security matters.

"We can predict that we have the same value as you just said. So we can stabilize each other and we are very grateful for that. It's also that we see you not only as a trading partner, but we see you as a strategic partner, and we really want to expand this strategic partnership."

“If we can also establish such a security and defense partnership, we will be very happy just to expand the strategic partnership on many of the topics we share.”

According to ABC, Albanese has been cautious but said he is willing to consider the proposal, which could involve future military exercises and other areas of common interest.

Albanis reiterated Australia's support for Ukrainian aggression in an off-court meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reiterating his considerations as he would send troops as part of his willingness to "if a peace process occurs."

Albanis met with other world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who gathered in Rome to attend the inauguration of the Vatican New Pope.

After the inauguration of the Catholic leader, Albanese spoke to Pope Leo Xiv about his mother.

"I'm sure, I'm sure my mother will look at her biggest smile from the sky," the prime minister told Vatican reporters on Sunday.

Albanese, a Catholic who grew up on a housing board in Sydney, often mentions his single mother and his impact on life.

Australia has been reaching a free trade agreement with the EU, which has not yet been resolved.

Federal front desk replacement Tanya Plibersek agrees there are some "sticky points".

She told the Seven Sunrise Plan: "The EU wants to limit the use of it, they are Palma, Fita, Prosecco, the name of the food related to where they come from."

“But we’re going to say that Australian-made Parmesan is the best in the world and we want to make sure that any free trade agreement with the EU is a clear advantage for Australia.

“We will continue to work hard.”

The trade agreement with the EU will open the market for Australian goods and services to more than 400 million people.

As a group, the EU is Australia's third largest two-way trading partner in 2022/2023. It is also the sixth largest export destination and the third largest service export market.

The two-way transaction is worth approximately $110 billion.