The EU is "pursuing trade talks with Australia", with the objective of "finalising an agreement that is balanced and mutually beneficial".

This is according to European Commission spokesperson for trade Olof Gill, who added that "substance takes priority over speed".

There has been a lot of activity when it comes to trade talks between the EU and third countries in recent months.

Along with there being a number of developments in the EU-Mercosur agreement, the EU-India Free Trade Agreement is likely to be reached soon.

EU-Australia FTA

Negotiations between the EU and Australia on a free trade agreement (FTA) were launched in 2018.

However, in late 2023, negotiations stalled due to disputes over agricultural market access and geographical indications.

In June 2025, the parties agreed to revive talks for the FTA, after a meeting between Australia's trade minister Don Farrell and European Commissioner for trade Maroš Šefčovič.

Trade mission

Irish MEP Seán Kelly is chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Australia and New Zealand.

He recently urged that the EU-Australia FTA be brought to a successful conclusion as soon as possible.

Last October, Kelly led a European Parliament delegation on a visit to Australia aiming to advance negotiations on the long-awaited deal.

The trade mission brought together members of the EU Parliament for the 44th EU-Australia Inter-Parliamentary Meeting.

This is the longest-standing partnership of its kind between the EU and any third country. 

Unfair competition

The European Commission said in 2023 that benefits of the deal would include "protecting EU farmers against unfair competition".

"Full liberalisation of trade for sensitive agricultural products is not on the table," it said.

"We aim for specific treatment for sensitive products - this could include long tariff dismantling periods, tariff-rate quotas, or other arrangements."

It said the deal would bring "new opportunities for EU agri-food exports, including through protecting geographical indications and dismantling Australian tariffs on such products".

The commission said there would also be "high sustainability standards and cooperation on topics such as animal welfare, sustainable food systems,pesticides and fertilisers".

Farmer views

In recent days, Ksenija Simovic, a senior policy advisor with Copa Cogeca warned that the EU-Australia trade deal is "a cause for concern".

She said it has potential of "becoming a Mercosur 2.0".

Simovic said if this deal was passed, it could possibly see "24,000 tonnes of beef and 20,000 tonnes of sheepmeat enter the EU at a reduced tariff".

"It would not be [a] good agreement for EU and Irish farmers," she added.

Meanwhile, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) in Australia this month urged its government to "reject any sub-par EU FTA, as compounding trade headwinds face agriculture in the coming 12 months".

NFF president Hamish McIntyre added: “Australian negotiators must continue to push for materially improved offers for Australian agriculture, in particular for Australian red meat, dairy, sugar and rice producers.

"Australian agriculture exports 80% of the food and fibre it produces, and hits to our international competitiveness have a direct impact on the sector’s and nation’s productivity."

For Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has lead responsibility for trade policy.

However, a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine spokesperson told Agriland this week: "Ireland has always been clear that EU trade agreements must defend our most vulnerable sectors, and that our farmers’ livelihoods must not be undermined.

"We have also been clear that the EU approach to negotiating new agreements, including any potential agreement with Australia, must therefore consider the cumulative impact of access provided under all EU FTAs for the most sensitive agricultural products."