A new agreement between Australia and the European Union will see the two countries work more closely on emergency management challenges following completion of an historic agreement.

The deal is intended to allow for the regular exchange of personnel and information on emergency management issues.

European Commission Acting Director-General Jos Delbeke and Emergency Management Australia Director-General Tony Pearce signed a memorandum of understanding to confirm the agreement.

Attorney-General Rod McClelland announced the arrangement on Friday.

The head of a European Commission delegation to Australia, Bruno Julien, says the deal will benefit both parties, which have a wealth of experience in disaster management.