EU and Australia agree free trade and defence agreementsThe European Union and Australia have agreed on a Free Trade Agreement, as well as a Security and Defence Partnership, the European Commission has announced. ​The Free Trade Agreement was agreed at a meeting in Canberra between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. ​This will give European exporters access to the Australian market, including the removal of 99% of tariffs on EU goods to Australia. ​“With these dynamic new partnerships on security and defence, as well as trade, we are moving even closer together. These agreements put in place lasting, trust-based structures to support peace and security through strength, driving prosperity through rules-based trade, and working together to uphold global institutions.

Source: Irish Independent March 24, 2026 21:24 UTC