EU and Australia Move Closer to Finalizing Trade Agreement Amid Ongoing Negotiations

The EU and Australia are nearing the finalization of a trade agreement, with discussions set between Australian PM Anthony Albanese and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on March 24. Negotiations, ongoing since 2018, aim to eliminate tariffs and enhance EU access to critical raw materials, though challenges remain regarding agricultural quotas. The outcome is expected to significantly influence trade and security cooperation between the two parties.

Published Mar 20, 2026

The EU and Australia are close to finalizing a trade agreement, with discussions scheduled between Australian PM Anthony Albanese and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on March 24. Since 2018, negotiations have aimed to eliminate tariffs on goods and facilitate EU access to critical raw materials like lithium and hydrogen.

AI-curated by Theia

While Albanese expressed optimism, talks have faced challenges, particularly regarding agricultural quotas. The EU aims to diversify international partnerships, particularly in light of recent agricultural tensions following the EU-Mercosur agreement. The outcome of these negotiations is expected to impact both trade and security cooperation between the two parties.