March 24, New Delhi – The European Union and Australia signed a Free Trade Agreement and a Security and Defence Partnership on Tuesday, concluding years of negotiations.
EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finalized the long-awaited trade deal, aiming to boost exports amid global trade uncertainty.
Speaking alongside Albanese, von der Leyen said the agreement will help Europe diversify its export markets and strengthen ties beyond traditional partners.
Albanese added that the agreements are expected to create more jobs, enhance security, and increase the presence of Australian products in global markets.
The two leaders also called for an immediate end to hostilities in West Asia, describing the situation as "critical" for global energy supply chains.
Negotiations between Australia and the EU began in 2018, progressing slowly before gaining momentum amid rising global trade tensions, partly due to U.S. tariffs.