Overview
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet on the sidelines of the Johannesburg G20, with officials expecting progress rather than an immediate signing.
- EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said only a few months are needed to close the deal and voiced hope of reaching the finishing line in spring.
- Negotiators have resolved nearly all technical chapters, leaving beef market access as the primary political trade‑off still to be settled.
- Trade ministers Don Farrell and Maroš Šefčovič reported constructive discussions in Melbourne, with both sides characterizing momentum as positive.
- Parallel cooperation is advancing on critical minerals investment, including an EIB visit to sign a joint investment agreement, and the EU is examining Australia’s social media restrictions as a potential model.