Speech by President von der Leyen at the Australian Parliament

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_26_694

Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Albanese https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_26_693

Social Media

https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/2036220853600305439

#Eupol #auspol #EUAusFTA #trade #investment

The European Union-Australia Free Trade Agreement compromises on intellectual property and geographical indications: 'On the big sticking point of naming rights, Australian producers will get to keep calling their products parmesan and kranskies, and Australian winemakers will be able to make and sell Prosecco domestically.

BUT there will be a “grandfathering and lengthy phase-out” of naming rights for feta, gruyere and romano.

For everyone else at home, the removal of Australian tariffs on imports from the EU will make things like European wine, spirits, biscuits, chocolates and pasta cheaper.

Albanese said:

One of the things about Australia is that, with the exception of First Nations, people, were all either migrants or descendants of migrants, and many of those have come from Europe, and that’s why, whether it’s Greeks coming here and creating feta, or Italians coming and doing Parmesan, or people from Eastern Europe doing kransky sausages, those things. It’s a connection with Europe. Part of our strength is our people to people relations as well. I think all of that understanding and engagement has assisted.

(As mentioned above, those communities will eventually lose the naming rights for feta and a few other products).'

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/mar/24/australia-politics-live-fuel-crisis-cost-of-living-petrol-diesel-rationing-question-time-anthony-albanese-angus-taylor-pauline-hanson-one-nation-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-69c1df728f081668c1c42462#block-69c1df728f081668c1c42462 #auspol #eupol #EuAusFTA #GIs

Long-awaited Australia-EU trade deal finally signed

https://aapnews.aap.com.au/news/farmers-fear-eu-trade-deal-will-shortchange-agriculture

'European-made wine, cars and fashion items will get cheaper for Australian shoppers under a long-awaited free-trade deal that will also allow local farmers to expand their meat exports.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have signed the much-debated deal in Canberra, marking an end to almost a decade of intermittent negotiations.

Under the deal, Australia will remove a five per cent tariff on imports of European products, which hits car-makers like BMW and Mercedes along with producers of goods like fashion products, food and drink.'

#auspol #EUpol #EUAusFTA #trade #investment

Joint statement on the conclusion of the European Union-Australia Free Trade Agreement

https://www.pm.gov.au/media/joint-statement-1

Tuesday 24 March 2026

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Prime Minister of Australia

Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen

President of the European Commission

'The Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirmed the strength of the partnership between Australia and the European Union, underpinned by shared democratic values, respect for international law, and people to people, economic, scientific and strategic links. They emphasised that Australia and the European Union are trusted friends, working together to address economic resilience, security, climate change and environmental challenges.

Prime Minister Albanese and President von der Leyen welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement in Canberra on 24 March 2026, and will now take forward their respective domestic processes required for signature and entry into force. This agreement will strengthen bilateral trade and investment, support economic growth, and reinforce the shared commitment of Australia and the European Union to open and rules-based trade.

Prime Minister Albanese and President von der Leyen also welcomed the conclusion of the Australia-European Union Security and Defence Partnership, providing a framework for enhanced cooperation on shared security challenges, including defence industry cooperation, cyber and economic security, and counterterrorism. The partnership will strengthen shared resilience and deepen practical collaboration, building on existing ties between Australian and European industries and institutions.

Prime Minister Albanese and President von der Leyen reaffirmed the importance of international research and innovation cooperation and welcomed Australia’s intention to commence negotiations with a view to associating from 2027 to Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programme. Cooperation under Horizon Europe would support collaboration on shared priorities, including critical and emerging technologies and climate and energy research, creating opportunities for Australian and European research and benefits for each economy.

These pillars of cooperation recognise the value of a strong Australia-European Union partnership in addressing shared global challenges and supporting prosperity and security and allow for deepened engagement between Australia and the European Union.'

#auspol #EUpol #EUAusFTA #trade #investment #climate #energy #security #education

Rich discussion with @EurAusBiz on how #EUAUSFTA can benefit both sides, incl. for green transition.
Also discussed cooperation in financial services, research & education.
I offered condolences on the passing of their Chair Simon Crean, a great advocate for 🇪🇺-🇦🇺 relations. https://t.co/3aHiKJjXvm

🐦🔗: https://n.respublicae.eu/VDombrovskis/status/1673714800461848578

RT @EurAusBiz: Delighted to host the @europarl_en's @mortenhelveg for a discussion on 🇦🇺🇪🇺cooperation to drive the #decarbonisation, #digitalisation & #diversification of our economies! Finalising an #EUAusFTA in early 2023 is key! #criticalminerals #energysecurity #technology #futureindustries

🐦🔗: https://nitter.eu/mortenhelveg/status/1587367974524125185