On 18 June 2018, the European Commission announced that the EU and Australia had officially launched negotiations for a comprehensive and ambitious trade agreement between the EU and Australia.
The aim of the negotiations is to remove barriers to trade in goods and services, create opportunities for small and large companies, as well as setting ambitious rules in line with other trade agreements of the EU, contributing to shape global trade.
The opening of talks with Australia is part of the EU agenda for open and fair trade. It follows the conclusion of negotiations with Japan last year and Mexico this past spring, as well the entry into force of the EU-Canada trade agreement in September of last year. The future agreement between the EU and Australia will further consolidate the EU’s engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. The first formal round of talks between the respective sides’ teams of negotiators will take place in Brussels from 2 to 6 July.
