On 12 February 2026, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen met in Brussels with Minister for Trade and Tourism of Australia Don Farrell to drive further progress on the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Commissioner Šefčovič and Minister Farrell also discussed other trade-related issues of common interest, notably WTO reform.
President Von der Leyen and Prime Minister Albanese confirmed in November last year their shared interest in further strengthening ties between the two like-minded democracies, notably by concluding an ambitious, balanced, mutually beneficial trade deal, while respecting each sides' sensitivities.
The EU and Australia already trade over €87.5 billion - or well over A$100 billion - worth of goods and services each year. A high quality and balanced agreement would reinforce our shared commitment to rules-based trade, grounded in high standards and focused on creating prosperity and competitiveness for businesses and stakeholders across all sectors on both sides.
The Ministerial level engagement was constructive and positive and allowed the two sides to converge positions on a range of issues. Good progress was achieved in narrowing gaps on a small number of outstanding matters. The principals will now report back to their Leaders.
