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Australia and EU Restart Trade Talks, Explore Defense Partnership

Negotiations resume after a seven-year impasse, with Australia demanding better agricultural access and the EU signaling naming-rights concessions.

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2025-05-19T181150Z_408135922_RC26LEA7JI7L_RTRMADP_3_RUSSIA-PUTIN

Overview

  • Trade Minister Don Farrell has invited EU Trade Commissioner Maros Šefcović to Australia to restart negotiations on a free trade agreement stalled since 2023.
  • Australia is pushing for significantly improved market access for beef, lamb, sugar, and dairy exports, threatening to walk away if demands are not met.
  • The EU has expressed willingness to compromise on geographic naming rights for products like prosecco and feta, a key sticking point in past talks.
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a formal defense and security partnership with Australia to strengthen ties in the Indo-Pacific.
  • German Ambassador Beate Grzeski emphasized the strategic importance of EU-Australia collaboration for regional stability and a rules-based international order.