EU-Australia deal: a strategic milestone for Europe's security and prosperity
The Renew Europe Group welcomes today's conclusion of negotiations for an ambitious EU-Australia free trade agreement and the signing of a security and defence partnership - a powerful signal that Europe is building the alliances it needs in an uncertain world.
This agreement is a major step in the EU's strategy to diversify its trade relationships and strengthen its strategic autonomy. Australia is a like-minded partner that shares our commitment to multilateralism, the rule of law, and a rules-based international order. At a time of acute geopolitical competition, deepening ties with Indo-Pacific democracies is not just economically smart - it is a strategic necessity.
Karin Karlsbro (Liberalerna, Sweden), Renew coordinator for the Committee on trade (INTA) stated:
“Europe cannot afford to close its doors. By finalising the trade agreement with Australia, we show that cooperation, not protectionism, is the way forward. Open trade between democracies is Europe’s strongest answer to global uncertainty.”
Karin KarlsbroRenew Europe MEP, Sweden, Liberalerna
Barry Cowen (Fianna Fáil, Ireland), member of the Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand, emphasised :
"I welcome this agreement as a positive step forward in strengthening the EU’s relationship with a trusted and like-minded partner. For Ireland and across the EU, agriculture is central, and this deal creates new opportunities for agri-food exports, building on our existing €2.3 billion trade surplus with Australia, while maintaining important safeguards for sensitive sectors like beef, lamb and dairy. It shows that when there is a genuine level playing field, European agriculture can compete and succeed."
Barry CowenRenew Europe MEP, Ireland, Fianna Fáil Party
The trade agreement opens significant opportunities across key European industries. EU exports are expected to grow by up to 33% over the next decade, with the automotive sector set to benefit particularly strongly - tariff elimination is projected to boost motor vehicle exports by up to 52%.
On agriculture, the EU already runs a trade surplus with Australia - this trade agreement builds on that advantage, opening further market access for EU exporters while carefully calibrated protections for sensitive agricultural sectors and robust safeguard mechanisms ensure that European farmers' interests remain fully defended. Renew Europe also welcomes the binding commitments on ILO core labour standards and the Paris Agreement, which guarantee that greater trade goes hand in hand with higher social and environmental standards.
The EU has also secured access to Australian critical raw materials - lithium, manganese, aluminium - reducing our dependence on single suppliers, building more resilient supply chains, and lessening our vulnerability to geopolitical coercion.
The security and defence partnership complements these economic ties with a robust institutional framework for cooperation on cyber security, hybrid threats, maritime security and emerging technologies - delivering security through partnership.
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP, Germany), chair of the committee on defence and security (SEDE), commented :
“The security and defence chapter of the EU–Australia agreement and the whole agreement itself is a timely and strategic step forward, particularly in times of geopolitical turmoil, when long-standing partnerships are being severely shaken and existing alliances are being called into question.
In a more unstable world, like-minded partners must deepen cooperation not only on trade, but also on resilience, defence industry and security. This agreement shows that Europe is serious about building strong, reliable partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.”
Marie-Agnes Strack-ZimmermannRenew Europe MEP, Germany, Freie Demokratische Partei
With negotiations now concluded, Renew will take its time to scrutinise the agreement.